The Nigerian Union of Pensioners has expressed deep concern over the harsh treatment of retirees by some state governors, who pay them extremely low monthly pensions of ₦400 or ₦450, making survival difficult amid economic challenges.

The NUP President, Comrade Godwin Abumisi, addressed journalists in Abuja on the poor conditions faced by pensioners, particularly at the state level.

He said: “I often ask myself whether governors realize that pensioners are human beings, with families to feed and basic needs to meet. How can anyone survive on ₦450 a month?”

Abumisi, whose voice was laced with raw anguish lamented: “In many states, pensioners are still receiving as little as ₦400 or ₦450 monthly. This is deeply worrying,” urging journalists to “consistently highlight this injustice so that affected states can reconsider their actions and review pension payments upward.”

He praised Kano and Oyo states for their positive approach to pension matters.

He said: “As I speak to you, there is no pensioner in Kano State owed arrears of pension or gratuity. This shows that when leaders have conscience, pensioners are treated with dignity. Oyo state governor is also doing well.”

When asked to identify the states paying as low as ₦350–₦450 and provide details on their numbers, he replied emotionally: “Each time this issue is raised, it brings me close to tears. We are preparing a serious engagement on this matter… We appeal to the conscience of Nigerians, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Nigerian Governors’ Forum to appeal to those states to review pension payments and allow pensioners liveable income.

“We will furnish the media with the names of the affected states once we complete verification, to ensure accuracy.”

Abumisi commended President Bola Tinubu, describing him as “the most pensioner-friendly President Nigeria has had.”

He explained that under Tinubu, “the circular approving salary increases for workers and pensioners was issued before the circular for the new minimum wage, and it was implemented immediately, even while workers were still negotiating.”

The NUP President noted that the federal government has cleared ₦32,000 pension increase arrears and approved substantial funds: “₦758 billion for the payment of outstanding arrears under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS), ₦58 billion for the Defined Benefit Scheme (DBS).”

He highlighted how rising healthcare costs worsen the situation for retirees, with high drug prices taking a large share of their limited income.

He stated: “Pensioners spend a significant portion of their income on drugs… Healthcare costs are extremely high.”

Abumisi appealed for support through the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), saying: “If assistance comes through the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), pensioners will wholeheartedly welcome it.”

He added that “A committee has already been constituted at the national level to examine how pensioners can access free health insurance.”

On internal union matters, Abumisi defended reforms approved by the National Delegates Conference (NDC) against resistance from the General Secretary, who has exceeded the union’s retirement age of 65 or 40 years of service.

He asserted: “There is no country in the world where staff do not retire… He has reached the retirement threshold and should step aside peacefully,” emphasizing the NDC as the union’s supreme authority.

Abumisi reaffirmed his commitment, stating: “At the Kano National Delegates Conference, I promised that I would leave this Union better than I met it.”