The House of Representatives has urged the Federal Government to promptly implement the approved pension increments and release all outstanding palliatives allocated to pensioners.
This directive was made during plenary as lawmakers addressed the continued hardship faced by senior citizens across the country.
The appeal was directed to key federal institutions including the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Humanitarian Services, the Office of the Accountant-General, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), and the Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD).
Presenting a motion of urgent national importance, Rep Ibrahim Ayokunle decried the dire living conditions of many pensioners, who he said are being forced to endure persistent suffering despite their years of service to the nation.
“Many pensioners across the country continue to suffer from inadequate income, inability to meet basic needs, and deteriorating health conditions due to these unresolved issues,” the motion read.
He recalled that in October 2023, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had approved a N25,000 wage award as a palliative and an additional N32,000 increment for federal pensioners.
However, lawmakers expressed dismay that the implementation of these measures has largely stalled.
Ayokunle emphasized that the continued delay in executing these approved benefits undermines constitutional obligations related to citizens’ welfare and social justice.
“The non-implementation of approved pension increments and withholding of palliative measures undermine these constitutional principles and threaten social stability,” he stated.
The lawmaker also highlighted numerous unanswered petitions from pensioners and advocacy organizations, underscoring the urgency of government intervention.
“There is a need to uphold the dignity and welfare of our senior citizens,” he added.
Following deliberations, the House adopted a series of resolutions:
It requested the Ministry of Labour and Employment and the National Pension Commission to undertake a full audit of current pension payments.
It recommended establishing a dedicated task force to oversee the enforcement of pension-related policies and to handle grievances efficiently.
It urged state governments to follow the federal government’s lead in prioritizing pensioners’ welfare.
It encouraged collaboration between the Nigerian Pensioners’ Association and relevant government agencies to enhance oversight and advocacy efforts.
It also mandated its Committees on Finance, Pensions, Labour & Employment, Humanitarian Services, and Legislative Compliance to monitor and ensure the complete execution of these resolutions.
