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The Nigerian Union of Pensioners (NUP) has called out the federal government for excluding the association from the selected members of the minimum wage committee to be inaugurated today, Tuesday, January 30.
The association voiced its opposition to the absence of pensioners' union leadership in a letter addressed to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume.
The NUP highlighted the constitutional mandate that requires the simultaneous review of minimum wage and pensions. The letter also shared the government's initiative to inaugurate a committee for workers' minimum pay negotiations while neglecting a parallel effort for pensioners.
The pensioners' union raised questions about whether the exclusion implies the formation of a separate committee at a later date to address pension reviews or if the government has no intentions to review pensions. The NUP insisted that the review of pensions should occur concurrently with the minimum wage review.
The letter was signed by the General Secretary of NUP, Actor Zal, who urged the SGF to rectify the omission or provide clarity to pensioners regarding the government's true intentions regarding pension reviews.
It further stressed the constitutional provision that necessitates pension reviews every five years or in tandem with workers' salary reviews.
The NUP pleaded to the SGF to address the omission before the set up of the committee, while stressing the need for justice and fairness to the retirees who bear the brunt of economic hardship. The letter indicated that any idea of addressing the pension issue after settling the workers separately be avoided.
