By Peter Duru, Makurdi
Pensioners in Benue State, under the aegis of the Concerned Pensioners Association (CPA), have called on the state government to clear outstanding pension arrears, gratuities and pension rate harmonisation claims dating back 27 years.
The association made the demand in a statement marking Pensioners Day, observed annually in Nigeria on October 5, saying the occasion should also draw attention to the challenges facing retired workers who spent decades in public service.
The statement, signed by the association’s Chairman and Secretary, Akosu Orban and Daniel Kaaser, respectively, said Benue pensioners had faced prolonged delays in receiving benefits they claimed were due to them.
According to the association, “this year’s observance is particularly poignant for the pensioners of Benue State, who for the past 27 years have faced the harsh reality of neglect regarding their unpaid pension arrears, gratuities and pension rate harmonisation.”
It said the affected pensioners had been denied what they described as benefits earned through decades of service since 1999.
“The continued failure to pay these arrears not only undermines their dignity but also places undue financial hardship on many who rely on these pensions for their daily sustenance,” the group said.
The association also criticised the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP), alleging that the union had not done enough to advocate for pensioners, particularly on issues relating to their welfare.
It questioned what it described as the NUP’s level of participation in Pensioners Day activities compared with Workers Day, arguing that pensioners had distinct welfare concerns requiring dedicated representation.
The CPA said its formation was partly a response to what its members perceived as a gap in representation, insisting that retired workers faced peculiar challenges that required focused advocacy.
“In response to this neglect, the Concerned Pensioners Association was formed. This association is dedicated to fighting specifically for the welfare and rights of pensioners, addressing the longstanding grievances that have been overlooked by the NUP,” it said.
The association further argued that the NUP’s status as a trade union meant its activities were more closely associated with the interests of active workers, which it said had contributed to pensioners feeling inadequately represented.
It described its emergence as a “crucial turning point”, saying it would focus on the immediate financial challenges facing retirees while also providing a platform to advocate for their rights and welfare.
The group consequently urged the Benue State Government to address what it described as outstanding pension liabilities.
“We call upon the Benue State Government to take immediate action to address this long-standing issue. It is imperative that the government prioritises the welfare of pensioners by fulfilling its obligations to them,” the association said.
It also called for greater recognition and support for senior citizens, urging the government to ensure that pensioners received what was due to them and were treated with dignity.
“On this Pensioners Day, let us raise our voices together to call for justice and adequate recognition of our senior citizens,” the group said.
The association urged stakeholders to support efforts aimed at improving the welfare of retirees and addressing the pension issues it said had persisted for decades.
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