Female pensioners in Cross River State have expressed their distress over the non-payment of their gratuities for over nine years since their retirement from civil service. They also highlighted the irregular payment of their monthly pensions, which often results in months of delay.
The pensioners shared their stories during a gathering organized by the women’s wing of the Nigerian Union of Pensioners (NUP) at the University of Calabar Chapel of Redemption in Calabar.
Speaking to reporters, Mrs. Regina George, the leader of the affected women, disclosed, “Retired workers in the state have been denied their gratuity payments for over nine years, and even our monthly pensions are significantly delayed, sometimes for two to three months.”
Mrs. George emphasized the need for their check-off dues to be remitted to the union so that it can be used to provide social and welfare assistance to members facing dire circumstances.
As per government records, the last payment of gratuities to pensioners in Cross River State occurred in 2014.
George stressed the urgency of receiving pension payments before regular workers receive their salaries and insisted on regular payment as well. She highlighted the challenges faced by many pensioners who are in their 70s and have age-related issues that further complicate their lives.
“The state government should prioritize the welfare of pensioners and strive, like the Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD), to ensure their happiness,” George added.
She took the opportunity to call on all female retirees in the state to join the union, enabling them to access important information from the national level of NUP and actively participate in the union’s activities.
“Although pensioners are verified annually, some of us miss out on these verifications due to a lack of information. By joining the group of pensioners, we can overcome this challenge,” she concluded.
