The Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP) has extended warm birthday wishes to President Bola Tinubu as he turns 74, applauding his administration’s efforts to reform the pension sector while calling for additional measures to improve the welfare of retirees nationwide.
In a statement released on Sunday, the union’s National President, Godwin Abumisi, said pensioners across the country were not only marking the President’s new age but also acknowledging what he described as focused leadership and renewed attention to retirees’ concerns.
Abumisi pointed to recent policy actions under Tinubu’s leadership, noting that they have begun to tackle persistent issues within Nigeria’s pension system, including payment delays and outstanding arrears.
“Mr. President, pensioners across the country proudly join millions of Nigerians in celebrating you today, particularly in recognition of your administration’s deliberate and impactful interventions aimed at improving the welfare and dignity of retirees,” he said.
He praised the approval of a ₦32,000 monthly pension increment, describing it as a timely and compassionate move that has helped cushion the effects of rising inflation and the increasing cost of living on retirees. With inflation continuing to drive up food and energy prices, fixed-income earners such as pensioners have faced mounting financial pressure.
The NUP leader also highlighted the Federal Government’s release of about ₦700 billion to settle outstanding obligations under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS), along with ₦57 billion allocated to retirees under the Defined Benefit Scheme (DBS). He described the intervention as a significant step toward resolving long-standing liabilities.
“These interventions are addressing the backlog of accrued rights owed to CPS retirees, many of whom endured years of uncertainty and hardship after meritorious service,” Abumisi said.
Nigeria operates both the CPS and DBS systems, with the CPS introduced in 2004 to replace the older scheme and ensure long-term sustainability. Despite this reform, challenges such as funding gaps, delayed remittances, and implementation issues have continued to affect retirees.
Abumisi further commended the government for clearing pension arrears, particularly for retirees in government agencies, and for ensuring more regular monthly payments.
“We acknowledge the sustained prompt payment of pensions and your timely interventions in resolving delays, which demonstrate responsive and people-centred leadership,” he added.
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The union also welcomed the approval for the payment of gratuities to retired workers, noting that many beneficiaries had waited several years to receive their entitlements.
However, the NUP urged the President to ensure that state governments comply with approved pension increases so that retirees at the subnational level can also benefit.
“While we commend your efforts, we respectfully urge Your Excellency to prevail on state governors to fully implement all approved pension increases, so that pensioners at the state level can equally benefit,” Abumisi stated.
In addition, the union called for the swift implementation of a proposed health insurance scheme for pensioners, stressing its importance in improving healthcare access and overall quality of life for older citizens.
Observers note that although Nigeria’s elderly population remains relatively small compared to developed nations, it is steadily increasing, making pension sustainability and healthcare support more pressing policy concerns.
“As you mark your 74th birthday, we pray for continued strength and wisdom to drive policies that will ensure economic growth, national development, and the well-being of all Nigerians, especially retirees,” Abumisi said.
President Tinubu, who assumed office in May 2023, has prioritised economic reforms such as subsidy removal and fiscal restructuring—policies that have drawn mixed reactions but are viewed by supporters as necessary for long-term economic stability.