The Nigerian Union of Pensioners (NUP), Abia State Council, has expressed serious concerns over alleged lapses in pension administration payroll affecting verified retirees in the state, particularly those from government parastatals.
In a communique issued after an enlarged meeting at the NUP Permanent Secretariat in Ogurube Layout, Umuahia, the pensioners also claimed that many next-of-kin of deceased pensioners are being neglected by pension administrators. The statement was jointly signed by State Chairman, Chukwuemeka N. Irondi and State Secretary, Uma E. Kalu.
While commending Governor Alex Otti for ensuring regular monthly pension payments since June 2023, the union expressed disappointment that the Governor has not followed through on his promise to review the controversial Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) between the State government and NUP executives.
"Despite the promise made by the Governor at FMC Chapel in March 2025 during a church service, there has been no follow-up," the communique stated. The union further revealed that their efforts to arrange a meeting between the State government and the National Leadership of the NUP have been unsuccessful.
Minimum Pension Implementation Concerns
Another critical issue raised by the pensioners is the alleged non-implementation of the Federal government's approved minimum pension and consequential adjustments, which became effective in July 2024.
According to the Council, many pensioners in Abia State still receive less than ₦5,000 per month, significantly below the national minimum standard. The union has called on Governor Otti to ensure immediate compliance with federal directives on pension payments.
"The ball is now in Governor Otti's Court," the NUP leaders declared in their statement.
The union also used the opportunity to congratulate Godwin Ikechukwu Abumisi on his re-election as National President of NUP at the recent National Delegates Conference held in Kano.
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