By Chidi Ugwu
The Executive Secretary of the Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD), Tolulope Odunaiya, convened an urgent meeting today with leaders of the Nigerian Union of Pensioners (NUP) and the Federal Parastatals and Private Sector Pensioners Association of Nigeria (FEPPPAN).
This is contained in a statement signed by Olugbenga Ajayi, Head of Corporate Communications, this statement underscores PTAD’s proactive approach in maintaining harmony and focus on pensioners’ interests.
According to the statement, the meeting aimed to address concerns surrounding a planned protest by a faction within the Pensioner Unions and to reinforce a united front in communication and advocacy for pensioners’ welfare and dignity.
Joined by senior management members of PTAD, the Executive Secretary emphasized the directorate’s accomplishments, including the recent implementation of a ₦32,000 minimum wage pension increment, pen6sion increments of 10.66% and 12.95%, and the successful securing of a ₦45 billion emergency budgetary allocation for payment of arrears.
She also clarified issues related to the ₦25,000 palliative payment, highlighting that this falls within the remit of the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, not PTAD.
However, PTAD is actively following up with the Ministry and promised to update pensioners accordingly.Odunaiya warned that the proposed protest, particularly a planned “NAKED” demonstration, could jeopardize ongoing efforts aimed at enhancing pensioners’ welfare.
The leaders of NUP and FEPPPAN clearly distanced themselves from the protest plans, reiterated their dedication to peaceful dialogue, and urged pensioners to raise their concerns through established and recognized channels.
In response, the Executive Secretary assured continued commitment to structured engagement, improved communication, and the preservation of pensioners’ dignity and well-being under the Defined Benefit Scheme.
