Key Takeaways
- President Tinubu's administration has initiated the payment of N18 billion in outstanding severance benefits to 2,700 former Nigeria Airways employees, a relief after over two decades.
- The Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP) lauded the move as "justice delayed but finally delivered" and commended all involved government agencies.
- An additional N11 billion has been approved for Exit Benefits to 175 retirees from Treasury-funded MDAs, signaling broader government attention to pension issues.
- NUP, however, renewed its appeal for the payment of the N25,000 monthly fuel subsidy palliative approved three years ago and urged attention to other outstanding pension arrears.
ABUJA – The Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP) has lauded President Bola Tinubu's administration for a significant intervention in the welfare of former public servants, initiating the payment of N18 billion in outstanding severance benefits to approximately 2,700 former employees of the defunct Nigeria Airways. This long-awaited relief comes more than two decades after the national carrier ceased operations, bringing a glimmer of hope to beneficiaries who have endured prolonged hardship.
In a statement issued by its National President, Comrade Godwin Abumisi, the NUP expressed profound satisfaction that its persistent appeals to President Tinubu regarding the long-standing entitlements of former Nigeria Airways workers have finally been acknowledged. The union highlighted its consistent advocacy through various channels, including press statements, open letters, and direct engagements, all aimed at urging the Federal Government to address the plight of these affected individuals.
Decades of Waiting: The Nigeria Airways Legacy
The collapse of Nigeria Airways, once a symbol of national pride, left thousands of its employees in limbo, battling for their rightful severance packages for over twenty years. This period has been marked by immense suffering, with many beneficiaries struggling to meet basic needs such as medical bills, feeding, and family responsibilities. Tragically, a significant number passed away without ever receiving their entitlements, making this payment a poignant moment of "justice delayed but finally delivered." The NUP underscored the human cost of this delay, emphasizing that these were Nigerians who dedicated their productive years to the service of the nation.
The union extended its commendation to President Tinubu, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, the Federal Ministry of Finance, and all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) involved in the meticulous verification, processing, and commencement of these payments. Special recognition was also given to the Presidential Initiative and Continuous Audit (PICA) for its diligent efforts in ensuring the successful progression of the payment exercise.
Ensuring Transparency and Completeness
While celebrating the commencement of payments, the NUP appealed for the process to be completed smoothly and with utmost transparency. The union specifically called for a proposed "mop-up verification" to capture all genuine beneficiaries whose cases remain unresolved. This includes individuals with incorrect banking details and, crucially, the legitimate entitlements of deceased beneficiaries, which, after due verification and legal processes, should be disbursed to their next of kin or lawful estates. "President Tinubu, please finish what you have started. Let every genuine beneficiary be captured and paid," Comrade Abumisi urged, stressing the importance of comprehensive coverage.
Broader Relief: Exit Benefits for Other Retirees
Beyond the Nigeria Airways saga, the NUP also applauded President Tinubu for initiating the payment of Additional Exit Benefits under the Federal Government Exit Benefit Scheme (EBS). This scheme has seen N11 billion disbursed to 175 retirees who exited Treasury-funded MDAs between January 1 and August 31, 2023. This development was hailed as another positive step towards comprehensively addressing the retirement needs of former public servants across various sectors.
Unfulfilled Promises: The Palliative and Arrears
Despite these commendable actions, the union seized the opportunity to renew its appeal for the payment of the three-month N25,000 monthly palliative approved for pensioners following the removal of fuel subsidy in 2023. Three years after its approval, affected pensioners are still awaiting this crucial payment, which the NUP noted would provide much-needed relief amidst prevailing economic pressures. The union appealed to President Tinubu to direct the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, urging the ministry "as a matter of responsibility" to ensure the promised palliative is fulfilled without further delay.
Furthermore, the NUP called for continued attention to outstanding pension arrears, gratuities, and other retirement benefits owed at the federal level. It also highlighted the dire plight of state and local government pensioners, many of whom remain unpaid for months or even years. The union passionately stressed that elderly pensioners still require funds for food, rent, and medicines after decades of service, with some forced to depend on children, relatives, friends, and neighbours for survival. "Pension is not charity. Gratuity is not a favour. Retirement benefits are legitimate entitlements earned through years of service," the NUP firmly stated, advocating for the fundamental rights of retirees.
The NUP concluded by reiterating its appreciation for the relief extended to former Nigeria Airways workers and retirees under the Exit Benefit Scheme, emphasizing that such timely government interventions demonstrate a profound positive impact on the lives and dignity of pensioners and retirees across the nation.
Why This Matters
The recent disbursement of long-overdue benefits to former Nigeria Airways staff and other federal retirees marks a critical step towards restoring trust and ensuring the welfare of those who dedicated their lives to public service. However, the outstanding palliative payments and persistent arrears for state and local government pensioners underscore the ongoing need for comprehensive and consistent policy implementation to guarantee financial security and dignity for all Nigerian retirees.