There Is Urgent Need To Improve Lives of Pensioners In Nigeria- Amb Tosken
Oru Leonard
Ambassador Musa Muhammed Tsoken, National President of the APC Initiative For Good Governance (APC-IGG), has called on the Federal Government of Nigeria to take further steps to curb the plight of pensioners in Nigeria.
“After dedicating their lives to serving the nation, many civil servants face unimaginable hardship in retirement. It is imperative that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu takes proactive steps to reform the pension system and alleviate the suffering of these deserving individuals”, he urged.
He lamented that the current state of Pensioners, who have given their best years to the nation, are still left to struggle with meager pensions, delayed payments, and inadequate healthcare. “The recent appeal by Union Bank pensioners to President Tinubu, seeking intervention in the non-payment of their pension entitlements, is a stark reminder of the urgency of this issue.
To address this crisis, Ambassador Tsoken proposed the following reforms:
– Streamline the Pension Payment Process: Implement a more efficient and transparent system for pension payments, ensuring timely and regular disbursements.
– Increase Pension Benefits: Review and adjust pension benefits to reflect the current cost of living, ensuring that pensioners can maintain a decent standard of living.
– Improve Healthcare Services: Provide access to quality healthcare services for pensioners, including specialized care for age-related health issues.
– Establish a Pensioners Welfare Fund: Create a dedicated fund to support pensioners in need, providing financial assistance for emergencies and other unexpected expenses.
He commended President Tinubu’s administration for demonstrating its commitment to reforming the tax system, adding that with the recent transmission of the Fiscal Policy and Tax Reform Bill to the Senate, the President should extend same commitment to reforming the pension system, ensuring that the nation’s pensioners receive the dignity and care they deserve.
