BY JOHN DANJUMA
The Nigerian House of Representatives has weighed in on the plight of Nigerian federal pensioners.
In a motion of urgent national importance adopted by the green chambers of the National Assembly resolved and mandated the Federal Ministry of Finance, the Central Bank of Nigeria and other relevant government Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to expedite action toward the implementation and payment of President Tinubu’s approved wage award palliative and pensions increment to pensioners in Nigeria.
Contributing to the motion, the member representing Orhionmwon Uhunmwode federal constituency, Hon. Chief Dr. Billy Adesuwa Osawaru, in a display of visible anger, described the delay in the implementation of the increment and palliative payment as a crime against humanity that deserves sanctions.
Speaking further, Hon. Osawaru berated the relevant government ministries, departments, and agencies saddled with the responsibility of implementing these benefits approved since 2023.
He stressed the fact that pensioners are senior citizens of the nation who have sacrificed their intellect, energy, and productive years to its growth and development and, thus, must be treated with utmost respect, concern, and priority towards making life after retirement meaningful for them.
“Withholding this wage palliative and increment is a disservice to them which deserves strict sanctions,” Osawaru remarked.