According to the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Borno State, some retirees are still grappling with a meager N4,000 monthly pension, highlighting dire financial challenges among pensioners.
NLC Chairman, Mr. Yusuf Inuwa, emphasized the urgent need for a review of the pension scheme to enhance retirees’ social and economic welfare during his address on the 2024 May Day celebration in Maiduguri.
Inuwa stated, “Your Excellency, we wish to table before you that as at this moment there are some pensioners who are still receiving N4,000 as pension per month which is grossly inadequate. We, therefore, pray for His Excellency’s intervention for upward review of the monthly pension.”
He further urged for the implementation of the national minimum wage and the settlement of outstanding leave and transport grants for local government employees.
Commending the efforts of the Babagana Zulum administration, Inuwa acknowledged achievements such as the provision of promotion benefits, gratuity payments, and subsidized transportation for workers and the public.
Echoing similar sentiments, Mr. Babayo Hamma, State Chairman of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), urged the government to adopt the federally approved minimum wage.
Alhaji Umar Kadafur, the state deputy governor, praised the amicable relationship between labor and the government, noting the government’s commitment to workers’ welfare and training, including initiatives like the N2 billion free interest facility.
Prof. Ibrahim Umara, from the Political Science Department at the University of Maiduguri, emphasized the theme “The People First” and called for proactive measures to address the energy crisis.
He urged the government to implement policies that would enable entities like the Dangote Refinery to supply fuel at subsidized rates to meet local consumption demands.
