The hardship endured by pensioners, who have given their best years to building this nation, is a glaring indication of a system that has failed its most vulnerable citizens in the past,” —- Tsoken
By Abdulrahman Aliagan,
As Nigeria grapples with the challenges facing its pensioners, Ambassador Musa Muhammed Tsoken, the National President of the APC Initiative for Good Governance (APC-IGG), has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to urgently address the plight of retired civil servants across the country.
In a passionate appeal, Ambassador Tsoken highlighted the dire conditions pensioners face despite their years of service to the nation. From delayed payments to inadequate pensions and poor access to healthcare, the current state of affairs for retirees paints a grim picture.
“The hardship endured by pensioners, who have given their best years to building this nation, is a glaring indication of a system that has failed its most vulnerable citizens in the past,” Tsoken remarked. He expressed confidence in President Tinubu’s administration, stating, “With its sound policies, I believe this administration will change the narrative and bring hope to our pensioners.”
Ambassador Tsoken referenced the recent appeal by Union Bank pensioners, who sought President Tinubu’s intervention regarding unpaid entitlements. This, he emphasized, is a stark reminder of the urgency needed to address the pension crisis.
To alleviate the suffering of pensioners, Tsoken proposed the following reforms:
According Ambassador Tsoken, “Streamlining the Pension Payment Process by implementing a more efficient and transparent system, pension payments can be made on time and regularly.
He added that, “Increasing pension benefits by review and adjustment of pension benefits are necessary to reflect the current cost of living, ensuring pensioners can lead a decent life.
“Pensioners should have access to quality healthcare, including specialized care for age-related ailments.”
He made case for the establishment of a Pensioners Welfare Fund, a dedicated fund that would provide financial assistance to pensioners in emergencies and other unforeseen circumstances.”
He commended President Tinubu’s ongoing efforts to reform the nation’s fiscal and tax systems, as demonstrated by the recent transmission of the Fiscal Policy and Tax Reform Bill to the Senate. “I urge the president to extend this commitment to reforming the pension system, ensuring our pensioners are treated with dignity and care,” Tsoken added.
In his call to action, Ambassador Tsoken appealed to the National Assembly and all stakeholders to collaborate in addressing the pension crisis. “The time for action is now,” he said. “Together, we can create a brighter future for Nigeria’s pensioners.”
As the government continues to roll out policies aimed at economic and social reforms, Ambassador Tsoken’s plea underscores the need for prioritizing the welfare of retired civil servants—individuals who have contributed immensely to the development of Nigeria.
The ball is now in the court of President Tinubu and his administration to take decisive steps toward ensuring pensioners receive their long-overdue entitlements and the respect they rightfully deserve.