In a shocking revelation, the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP) has disclosed that some pensioners in Benue State are still receiving a meagre N2,000 as their monthly pension, despite efforts by the state government to address pension issues. The Union’s state chairman, Michael Vembe, expressed concerns over the continued struggles of retirees who, after serving their country, are left to grapple with poverty due to insufficient pension payments.
The announcement came during an appreciation visit by the NUP leadership to the Chief Medical Director of the Benue State University Teaching Hospital (BSUTH), Dr. Stephen Hwande, in recognition of the hospital’s initiative to offer free medical care to pensioners. While the Union praised the state’s progress under Governor Hyacinth Alia in paying pensions on time, Vembe did not hold back in stressing the need for a significant increase in the pension amounts, particularly in light of the ongoing economic difficulties faced by retirees.
“Our pensioners are still grappling with the paltry N2,000 monthly payment, which is completely insufficient to cater for their needs. In today’s economic climate, this amount is simply unacceptable,” Vembe lamented. “Though we are grateful to Governor Alia for ensuring timely payments since taking office, we appeal to him to consider raising the pensions to a more reasonable amount, reflecting the economic realities we face.”
Since assuming office, Governor Alia has made strides in ensuring that pension payments are disbursed promptly. However, Vembe highlighted that the payment of arrears remained a major concern, with some local government pensioners owed up to 96 months of back pay, while state pensioners face a 40-month arrears.
“We deeply appreciate the governor’s promptness in paying pensions since he came to power, especially compared to the previous administration. But the lingering arrears remain a burden, and we hope he will address them soon,” Vembe added.
Despite these improvements, the matter of increasing pension amounts remains unresolved, leading to ongoing dissatisfaction among pensioners, especially those receiving the N2,000 payments. This situation is particularly dire for elderly pensioners who are finding it increasingly difficult to meet their basic needs.
“It’s hard to imagine how someone who has worked all their life can end up with so little after retirement,” said Vembe. “This amount of money barely covers transportation, let alone food, healthcare, or other essential costs.”
The pensioners also expressed their gratitude for the healthcare initiative led by BSUTH, which provides free medical services to retirees. Dr. Stephen Hwande, the Chief Medical Director, reassured the pensioners that the state government was committed to improving their quality of life, urging them to take advantage of the free medical care available.
“We understand the challenges our pensioners face, and the government is working to ensure they have access to healthcare services that will improve their well-being,” said Hwande. “We hope that this initiative will help them live healthier lives and reduce the financial burdens associated with healthcare. I will also relay their request for more support to Governor Alia to ensure that pensioners at the grassroots are not left out of these benefits.”
Although the healthcare services at BSUTH offer much-needed relief, pensioners at the grassroots level have raised concerns about the difficulty of traveling to Makurdi, the state capital, to access these medical services. In response, Hwande assured the pensioners that he would advocate for the establishment of more outreach programs to ensure that pensioners in rural areas could also benefit.
However, the core issue remains the disparity in pension amounts, which has prompted calls for a broader reform of the pension system in Benue. Vembe made a passionate plea for the state government to address the imbalance, stressing that the financial difficulties faced by pensioners are not just a local concern but a reflection of the wider issues facing the country’s retirees.
“We are not asking for handouts, but for what we rightly deserve after years of dedicated service. Many of us are struggling to make ends meet, and the current pension payments are far from enough,” Vembe stated, his frustration evident. “The government must recognize this and act to ensure that pensioners are not left behind in the face of inflation and economic challenges.”
The plight of pensioners in Benue comes at a time when many states across Nigeria are grappling with similar pension-related issues, with retirees often reporting delays in payments or receiving amounts that are woefully inadequate. The NUP has been vocal in its calls for pension reforms, demanding that governments prioritize the welfare of pensioners, who after decades of service, are entitled to dignified living conditions.
