The federal government has been urged by the House of Representatives to promptly implement all authorized pension increases.
The House decision came after a motion on the difficulties seniors face in Nigeria as a result of the government and affiliated organizations’ failure to pay pension increases and withhold approved palliative care.
Ibrahim Ayokunle moved the resolution during Wednesday’s plenary, recalling that President Tinubu has authorized a palliative N25,000 wage award and an additional N32,000 pension boost for Nigerian pensioners in October 2023.
The senator bemoaned the ongoing and unsolvable difficulties that retirees endure, especially the failure to pay government-approved pension increases and the denial of necessary palliative care that would have eased their suffering.
Ayokunle bemoaned that because of these unsolved concerns, many retirees nationwide still struggle with little income, the inability to meet basic demands, and declining health.
He pointed out that these constitutional values are undermined and social stability is threatened by the withholding of palliative measures and the non-implementation of authorized pension increments.
Therefore, the House asked the Federal government to promptly implement all authorized pension increments without further delay through the Federal Ministry of Finance, associated entities such as Humanitarian Services, Accountant General, CBN, PTAD, and other pertinent authorities.
“Calls on the government to release all palliative measures that have been withheld and ensure timely disbursement to alleviate pensioners’ suffering.”