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Akwa Ibom governor, Umo Eno
The Nigeria Union of Pensioners, Akwa Ibom State chapter, has called on Governor Umo Eno to establish a State Bureau of Pension to ensure the effective implementation of financial autonomy for local government councils in the state.
This demand was made in a communiqué issued at the end of an enlarged meeting of the union on Tuesday.
The communiqué, made available to journalists in Uyo, was signed by Obong Ekpenyong Ekpo (JP), Chairman; Obong Cosmos Essien, Secretary; Hon. Emmanuel Udoaka, Secretary, Retired Primary School Teachers; Dr. Uduak Udohaya, Chairman, Local Government Retirees; and Revd. Felix Cookey, Chairman, Retired Primary School Teachers.
The union urged the governor to consider paying the Consequential Adjustment stipulated by the National Salaries, Incomes, and Wages Commission in Circular No. SWC/3/04/S./542/II/296, as well as the 20% Pension Review outlined in Circular No. SWC/S/04/S.542/II/449.
Expressing gratitude for Eno’s efforts in addressing the welfare of retirees, the pensioners acknowledged his approval of ₦28 billion to offset accumulated gratuity arrears and the agreement to pay ₦32,000 monthly in lieu of the ₦70,000 minimum wage for pensioners in the state.
The pensioners have also sought an audience with the governor on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, to discuss the impact of local government autonomy on the payment of monthly pensions and gratuities.
“Your Excellency, we passionately appeal to you to address the payment of Consequential Adjustments and the 20% Pension Review, as these would greatly alleviate the challenges faced by pensioners,” the communiqué read.
The union also urged the governor to ensure that the mistakes of the 1990 autonomy implementation, which adversely affected retirees, are avoided this time.
Highlighting the successes of similar structures in other South-South states, the union called for the establishment of the Akwa Ibom State Bureau of Pension.
The proposed bureau would include departments for civil service pensioners, local government retirees, and retired primary school teachers, ensuring seamless pension administration under financial autonomy.
The communiqué read in part, “The establishment of a State Bureau of Pension will streamline the management of pensions and gratuities during this era of financial autonomy for local government councils.”
The union further appealed to Eno to consider the harsh realities faced by elderly pensioners, especially in accessing essential medications amidst the current economic challenges.
“The cost of survival drugs is far beyond the reach of many aged pensioners. We implore His Excellency to remember the plight of these senior citizens as they navigate this austere economy,” the statement added.
