By Khalid Idris Doya
The newly elected Chairman of the North-East Zonal Forum of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP), Comrade Abdullahi Alhassan Misau, has called on governors in the Northeast to immediately implement the N32,000 minimum pension to improve the welfare of pensioners across the region.
Misau urged the governors to emulate Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed, who approved the implementation of the N32,000 minimum pension for both state and local government pensioners in the state, describing the move as commendable and worthy of recognition.
He made the appeal during the North-East Zonal Forum meeting of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners held in Bauchi, which brought together union chairmen from the six states in the region.
The NUP leader also called on chairmen of the union in states yet to implement the minimum pension to intensify engagements with their respective governors to ensure compliance.
"As chairmen, you are expected to collaborate with your state governments and lobby for the implementation of the minimum pension in your states. We will work together to ensure that no state in the North-East is left behind," he said.
Misau, who also serves as the Chairman of the Bauchi State chapter of the NUP, appealed to Governor Bala Mohammed to consider the payment of accumulated gratuities owed to pensioners in the state which currently stands at about N74 billion.
According to him, pensioners deserve to enjoy the rewards of their years of service, stressing that "Rest is sweet after labour."
He commended the Bauchi State Government for implementing the N32,000 minimum pension, noting that pensioners across the state deeply appreciate the governor's commitment to their welfare.
"We have already informed the national headquarters of this development, and they have sent a letter to the state government expressing their intention to honour Governor Bala Mohammed with an award as a pensioners-friendly governor for implementing the N32,000 minimum pension," Misau stated.
Expressing gratitude to his colleagues for electing him to lead the zonal forum, Misau pledged to operate an open-door policy and work tirelessly to strengthen the union and position the North-East zone as a model for others across the country.
"The success of this forum is a collective responsibility. Under my leadership, I will ensure inclusiveness and commitment toward moving the union forward," he added.
Speaking on the financial contributions of member states to the zonal forum, Misau described the current monthly contributions as inadequate and called for improved support to enhance the activities of the forum.
"We must discuss a more sustainable contribution structure that will enable the North-East zone to function effectively and make the region proud," he appealed.
Also speaking at the event, the Vice Chairman I of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Bauchi State, Comrade Ibrahim Maikudi, described the implementation of the N32,000 minimum pension for state and local government pensioners as a major achievement.
He praised the Bauchi State NUP chairman for his dedication and relentless efforts toward improving the welfare of pensioners.
"Almost every day, you will find him moving from one office to another, Government House, the Office of the Head of Civil Service, and the Contributory Pension Commission, all in pursuit of the welfare and entitlements of pensioners in Bauchi State," Maikudi said.
"We sincerely appreciate his dedication and sacrifice," he said.
Maikudi also highlighted the cordial relationship between the Nigeria Union of Pensioners and organised labour in the state, including the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC).
"We have continued to support one another and work collectively toward the welfare of pensioners and workers alike," he stated.
On the issue of gratuity payments, Maikudi disclosed that the Bauchi State Government had established a technical committee to address the backlog of unpaid gratuities.
"Though the challenge is enormous, we remain optimistic that gradual progress is being made. No matter how delayed, every effort settling these liabilities is an achievement worthy of acknowledgment," he added.
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