The House of Representatives has called on the federal government to immediately implement all approved pension increments without further delay.
It also called on the government to release all withheld palliative measures and ensure timely disbursement to alleviate the suffering of pensioners.
The Green Chamber further appealed to all State governments to prioritise pension payments and welfare programs for their retirees.
It recommended the establishment of a dedicated task force to monitor the implementation of pension policies and address grievances of pensioners promptly.
The resolution of the House was sequel to the adoption of a motion on the challenges faced by pensioners due to non-payment of pension increment and withholding of approved palliative by the government and allied institutions in Nigeria.
Presenting the motion at the plenary on Wednesday, Hon. Ibrahim Ayokunle recalled that President Tinubu in October 2023, approved a N25,000 wage award as palliative and additional N32,000 pension increase for Z in Nigeria.
The lawmaker expressed worry over persistent and intractable challenges faced by pensioners, particularly the non-payment of pension increments approved by the government and the withholding of essential palliative measures meant to alleviate their hardships
Ayokunle lamented that 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.
He noted that the non-implementation of approved pension increments and withholding of palliative measures undermine these constitutional principles and threaten social stability.
Ayokunle added that numerous appeals and petitions from pensioners and relevant associations have gone unheeded, leading to increased hardship and discontent,
The House urged, the “Federal government through the Federal Ministry of Finance, allied establishments namely, Humanitarian Services, Accountant General, CBN, PTAD and other relevant agencies to immediately implement all approved pension increments without further delay.”
The House also urged the Nigerian Pensioners’ Association and other stakeholders to collaborate with government agencies in advocacy and oversight roles to ensure pensioners’ rights are protected.