Pensioners in Abia State, Nigeria, are facing significant challenges due to alleged lapses in pension administration, affecting verified retirees, particularly those from government parastatals. The Nigerian Union of Pensioners, NUP, Abia State Council, has expressed deep concerns over the issue, citing neglect of next-of-kin of deceased pensioners by pension administrators. These concerns were highlighted in a communique issued after an enlarged meeting at the NUP Permanent Secretariat in Umuahia, signed by State Chairman Chukwuemeka N.Irondi and State Secretary Uma E. Kalu.
While acknowledging Governor Alex Otti’s commitment to regular monthly pension payments since June 2023, the Abia NUP welcomed his promise to review the controversial Memorandum of Agreement signed between the State government and NUP executives. However, the pensioners regretted the lack of follow-up on this promise, made during a church service at FMC Chapel in March 2025. Despite efforts to arrange a meeting between the State government and the National Leadership of the NUP, no progress has been made.
Another pressing issue is the alleged non-implementation of the Federal government’s approved minimum pension and consequential adjustments, effective July 2024. Many pensioners in the state still receive less than N5,000 per month, which is far below the national minimum. The union has called on Governor Otti to ensure immediate compliance with federal directives, emphasizing that “the ball is now in Governor Otti’s Court.”
The NUP leaders also congratulated Godwin Ikechukwu Abumisi on his re-election as National President of NUP at the recent National Delegates Conference held in Kano. As the situation continues to unfold, the Abia NUP remains committed to advocating for the rights and interests of pensioners in the state, seeking a prompt resolution to the ongoing issues and ensuring that the welfare of senior citizens is prioritized. With the pensioners’ livelihoods hanging in the balance, the State government’s response to these concerns will be closely watched, and the international community will be keen to see how this situation is addressed.
