Pensioners hail Soludo for settling N22bn outstanding gratuities

Members of the Nigerian Union of Pensioners, South-East Zone, have commended the Anambra State governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, for clearing four years of outstanding gratuities owed to retirees in the state.

The South-East Chairman of the union, Anthony Ugozor, said the gratuities, covering 2017 to 2020, amounted to N22 billion inherited from the previous administrations in Anambra.

Ugozor made this known during the union’s zonal meeting held in Awka, according to a press statement he released on Tuesday.

He, however, urged governors across the region to emulate Soludo by prioritising pensioners’ welfare and ensuring prompt payment of retirement benefits.

He noted that retired workers under Soludo’s administration received gratuities without delay, while monthly pensions were paid consistently.

He said, “We commend the Anambra State governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, for clearing four years of outstanding gratuities owed retirees in the state. The gratuities, covering 2017 to 2020, amounted to N22 billion inherited from the previous administrations in Anambra.

“We urge other governors to harmonise pension rates and implement the proposed N32,000 minimum pension immediately after the Federal Government’s announcement.

“Pensioners who retired on identical grade levels deserved equal pensions regardless of their retirement years.”

He lamented existing disparities in the scheme, saying retirees on the same Grade Level 12 received different pensions despite facing identical economic realities.

“A retiree in 2020 may earn N15,000, while another retired in 2025 receives N25,000 on the same grade level. In light of the approved federal minimum pension of N32,000, we urge governors to effect the adjustment immediately after the official announcement,” he added.

He also reminded the Anambra State government about the N490.18 million meant for primary school pensioners from the 2002 and 2003 periods.

According to him, the funds remained with the Local Government Pension Board while some beneficiaries had died awaiting payment.

Also, the Head of Service, Anambra State, Ngozi Iwuno, assured pensioners of the current administration’s continued commitment to their welfare.

Iwuno urged retirees to remain peaceful and commended them for their contributions to public service and national development.

The chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress in Anambra, Humphrey Nwafor, called for unity among pensioners across the state.

Nwafor disclosed that the NLC had already engaged authorities over the proposed N32,000 minimum pension for retirees nationwide, adding that Soludo’s administration had paid pensioners a non-taxable monthly stipend of N10,000 since October 2024.

The national president of the union, Godwin Abumisi, urged pensioners not to lose hope in spite of prevailing economic difficulties, adding that the harmonisation policy remained essential for improved pensions and enhanced welfare benefits for pensioners across the country.

According to him, the approval of pension harmonisation by President Bola Tinubu had produced encouraging outcomes for retirees.