Reps Urge FG to Implement Approved Pension Increase, Release Withheld Palliatives
Reps Urge FG to Implement Approved Pension Increase, Release Withheld Palliatives
The House of Representatives has called on the Federal Government to promptly implement the approved pension increments and release all outstanding palliatives intended for Nigerian pensioners.
The appeal was directed to the Ministry of Finance and other key agencies, including the Ministry of Humanitarian Services, the Office of the Accountant-General, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), and the Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD).
Lawmakers raised concerns over the worsening hardship faced by pensioners due to the non-payment of the approved pension increments and delays in the distribution of government-sanctioned palliatives.
The resolution followed a motion of urgent national importance moved during plenary by Rep. Ibrahim Ayokunle, who highlighted the continued struggles of senior citizens—despite their years of service and contribution to national development.
Ayokunle recalled that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had, in October 2023, approved a ₦25,000 wage award as a palliative and a ₦32,000 increment in pensions for federal retirees. However, he lamented that many of these approved benefits are yet to be implemented.
“Pensioners across the country are still grappling with insufficient income, inability to meet basic needs, and deteriorating health conditions,” he noted.
He further stressed that failure to implement these measures violates constitutional provisions on social justice and the welfare of citizens.
“The non-implementation of approved pension increments and the withholding of palliative support undermine constitutional principles and threaten social stability,” he warned.
Referencing numerous unresolved petitions from pensioners and advocacy groups, Ayokunle urged swift and decisive action to uphold the dignity and well-being of retirees.
