From Khalid Idris Doya, Bauchi
The Chairman of the Bauchi State chapter of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP), Comrade Abdullahi Alhassan Misau, has appealed to Governor Bala Mohammed to consider the payment of accumulated gratuities owed to pensioners, which currently stand at about N74 billion in the state.
Misau made the appeal during the North-East Zonal Forum meeting of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners held in Bauchi, which brought together union chairmen from the six states of the region.
He stressed that pensioners deserved to enjoy the benefits of their years of service to the state, noting that “Rest is sweet after labour.”
The NUP chairman also commended the Bauchi State Government under the leadership of Governor Bala Mohammed for implementing the N32,000 minimum pension for both state and local government pensioners.
According to him, pensioners across the state deeply appreciate the governor’s efforts and commitment toward improving their welfare.
“We have already notified the national headquarters of this development, and they have sent a letter to the state government indicating their intention to honour Governor Bala Mohammed with an award as a pensioners-friendly governor for implementing the N32,000 minimum pension,” he said.
Misau, who was also elected Chairman of the North-East Zonal Forum of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners, expressed gratitude to his colleagues for the confidence reposed in him to lead the forum.
He pledged to work tirelessly to ensure the success of the forum and position the North-East zone as a model for others across the country.
“The success of this forum is a collective responsibility. Under my leadership, I will operate an open-door policy to move the union forward and make it stronger,” he stated.
He further urged chairmen of the union in states yet to implement the minimum pension to intensify engagement with their respective Governors to ensure compliance.
“As chairmen, you are expected to collaborate with your state governments and lobby for the implementation of the minimum pension in your states. We will work together to ensure that no state in the North-East is left behind,” he added.
Speaking on the financial contributions to the zonal forum, Misau described the current monthly contributions from member states as inadequate and called for increased support to strengthen the activities of the forum.
“We must rise to the occasion and discuss a more sustainable contribution structure that will enable the North-East zone to function effectively and make the region proud,” he appealed.
Also speaking at the event, Vice Chairman I of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Bauchi State, Comrade Ibrahim Maikudi, described the implementation and payment of the N32,000 minimum pension at both state and local government levels as a commendable achievement.
He praised the Bauchi State NUP chairman for his dedication and relentless efforts toward improving the welfare of pensioners.
“Almost every day, you will find him moving from one office to another, Government House, the Office of the Head of Civil Service, and the Contributory Pension Commission, all in pursuit of the welfare and entitlements of pensioners in Bauchi State,” Maikudi said.
“We sincerely appreciate his dedication and sacrifice.”
He also highlighted the cordial relationship between the Nigeria Union of Pensioners and organised labour in the state, including the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC).
“We have continued to support one another and work collectively toward the welfare of pensioners and workers alike,” he stated.
On the issue of gratuity payments, Maikudi disclosed that the Bauchi State Government had established a technical committee to address the backlog of unpaid gratuities.
“Though the challenge is enormous, we remain optimistic that gradual progress is being made. No matter how delayed, every effort toward settling these liabilities is an achievement worthy of acknowledgment,” he added.
