Pensioners Demand Inclusion In Proposed Palliatives

The Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP) has asked the federal government to include members of the union in the proposed palliatives to cushion the economic hardship of the petrol subsidy removal.

Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, Godwin Abumisi, NUP president, said including members of the union in the plan is important due to their vulnerability.

He said the petrol subsidy removal has further impoverished pensioners.

“The NUP wishes to categorically state and remind the federal government that pensioners must be included in the planned palliatives package, being one of the low-income earners in the country,” Abumisi said.

“There is no gainsaying that the removal of the fuel subsidy has further impoverished and pauperised the vulnerable Nigeria pensioners like other vulnerable group of persons in our society who are always struggling and battling for survival.

“We believe that if the proposed palliatives are religiously implemented to the letter on record time devoid of the usual bureaucratic bottlenecks, it will go a long way to calm down frayed nerves of the obvious angry Nigerians.”

He said for the government to achieve its objective of the cash transfer to the poor, it must consider the involvement and participation of organised unions.

He said the unions would have the records of their members resident in both urban and rural areas.

“The leaders of the unions/bodies who are very visible could be easily held responsible and accountable in the event of any infractions or shortchanging of their members in accessing such funds,” he said.

“Pensioners across the board must also be considered for the proposed six months tax-free payment to public servants for six months as well as the payment of all outstanding liabilities to public/civil servants.”