Emulate Prof Zulum In Prompt Payment Of Retirees Entitlements – Pensioners Tell Governors

By Gbenga Akingbule. 

The National Union of Pensioners (NUP) and its executive members, Borno State Chapter, at the weekend, requested other state Governors to copy the positive footprints of their colleague, Prof. Babagana Zulum in prompt payment of pensions and gratuities.

Gatekeepers News reports that the Union particularly praised the Borno State Governor for giving topmost priority to Borno workers and retirees despite scarce resources following the over-a-decade-long insurgency.

This was disclosed during a meeting with executives from 30 branches, including those from the 27 local government areas, which took place in Maiduguri over the weekend.

Comrade Musa Alhaji Bukar, the Chairman of the NUP in the state, said in his welcome address that despite the substantial funds spent on managing security challenges, Governor Zulum has remained focused and committed to the welfare of citizens, particularly in the prompt payment of pensions, salaries, and gratuities.

Comrade Bukar noted that the governor’s directive to increase the monthly fund for outstanding gratuities for state retirees from one hundred million (N100 million) to two hundred million (N200 million) has significantly improved the lives and families of many, contributing to economic development.

The NUP Boss also revealed that Governor Zulum had paid 50% pension arrears to 1,115 state retirees for the years 2021 to 2022 last year, in addition to clearing pension outstanding arrears of 534 retirees across the 27 local government areas.

The Chairman highlighted that the payment of 25% gratuity to 500 Primary School Teachers, the settlement of gratuities for Local Government Retirees, the continuous payment of monthly pensions without delay, the resolution of 25% payments to late cases in the state, and the clearance of 399 outstanding pension arrears to the primary school board represent significant progress.

He applauded the swift approval and release of funds and encouraged the state government to keep the flag flying.

“Let me use this opportunity to thank you all for honouring this invitation. It is an occasion for us to meet and discuss our achievements and the way forward,” said Comrade Bukar. “On behalf of the NUP in Borno, I commend Governor Babagana Zulum for his dedication to improving the retirees’ welfare through prompt payment of pensions and gratuities,” The NUP Chairman said.

He added, “We are super grateful to Governor Zulum for the increased payments of outstanding gratuities to our state retirees,  which has transformed many lives and families towards economic development.”

Meanwhile, the chairman urged the government not to rest on its oars but to come to the aid of pensioners by reviewing upward pensions to help withstand the inflation of goods and services in the state.