The Nigerian Union of Pensioners expressed dissatisfaction on Monday over the exclusion of pensioners’ representation in the upcoming inauguration of the 37-man Tripartite Committee on National Minimum Wage.
The committee, approved by President Bola Tinubu, is tasked with recommending and overseeing the implementation of a new minimum wage for the country.
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, conveyed the development in a letter to officials of the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress, among others.
However, the NUP, in a letter addressed to Akume, questioned the exclusion of pensioners, emphasizing that the constitution mandates the simultaneous review of both the minimum wage and pension.
While the government moves forward with the inauguration of the committee to negotiate workers’ minimum pay, the NUP expressed concern about the absence of a corresponding committee for pensioners.
The pensioners’ union seeks clarity on whether a separate committee will be established later to negotiate pension reviews or if the government has no plans to review pensions.
In a press conference held in Abuja, the General Secretary of NUP, Actor Zal, urged the SGF to rectify the omission or provide clarification to pensioners regarding the government’s intentions concerning pension reviews.
Zal stated, “It is our considered opinion that the Nigeria Union of Pensioners should have been represented in the Committee in the interest of justice and fairness to the Senior Citizens who are worse hit by the economic hardship and have the constitutional ‘locus’ to a five-yearly salary review.”
The NUP emphasizes the importance of including pensioners in the committee to ensure justice and fairness, especially considering the economic challenges faced by senior citizens.
The union calls for corrective measures to address the omission and uphold the constitutional rights of pensioners in the salary review process.
