Pensioners Hail Soludo’s Payment of 4-year N22b Gratuity, Urge other S’east Governors to Emulate Him

By Praise Chinecherem

The Nigerian Union of Pensioners, South-East zone has commended Governor Chukwuma Soludo for clearing four years of outstanding gratuities owed retirees.

South-East Chairman, Anthony Ugozor who disclosed this during the zonal meeting in Awka, said the gratuities, covering 2017 to 2020, amounted to N22 billion inherited from the previous administration.

“The retired workers under Mr Soludo’s administration received gratuities without delay, while monthly pensions were paid consistently,” he said.

Ugozor urged governors across the South-East to emulate Soludo by prioritising pensioners’ welfare and ensuring prompt payment of retirement benefits.

“Governors should harmonise pension rates and implement the proposed N32,000 minimum pension immediately after the federal government’s announcement,” he noted.

According to the union leader, pensioners who retired on identical grade levels deserved equal pensions regardless of their retirement years.

He however lamented existing disparities, 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.

Ugozor further reminded the Anambra government about N490.18 million meant for primary school pensioners from the 2002 and 2003 periods.

He alleged that the funds remained with the Local Government Pension Board while some beneficiaries had died awaiting payment.

Reacting, Head of Service, Ngozi Iwuno assured pensioners of the administration’s continued commitment to their welfare.

Iwuno who commended the pensioners for their contributions to public service and national development, she urged them to remain peaceful.

State Chairman, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Humphrey Nwafor called for unity among pensioners across the state.

He disclosed that the NLC had already engaged authorities over the proposed N32,000 minimum pension for retirees nationwide.

He added that the Soludo administration had paid pensioners a non-taxable monthly stipend of N10,000 since October 2024.

According to him, top government officials were already reviewing modalities for implementing the new pension structure in Anambra.

The national president of the union, Godwin Abumisi, urged pensioners not to lose hope in spite of prevailing economic difficulties.

He said the approval of pension harmonisation by President Bola Tinubu had produced encouraging outcomes for retirees.

He maintained that the harmonisation policy remained essential for improved pensions and enhanced welfare benefits for pensioners across the country.