Kwara pensioners hail Gov AbdulRazaq for clearing N1.4 billion arrears

The Kwara State Chapter of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP) has expressed profound gratitude to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for approving N1.4 billion for the final payment of pension arrears inherited from the previous administration.

Led by Comrade Saidu Oladimeji, the Union’s Chairman, the pensioners visited the State Local Government Service Commission and the Local Government Pension Board in Ilorin to extend their thanks.

Oladimeji highlighted that the approved funds cover 11 months of unpaid pension arrears left by the immediate past administration of Mallam Abdulfatah Ahmed. He emphasized that the pensioners are deeply appreciative of Governor AbdulRazaq’s gesture, describing him as “God-sent.”

“The coming of Governor AbdulRazaq is timely,” Oladimeji said, “He has rescued pensioners, especially at the grassroots level, from perpetual suffering under successive administrations.”

Representing over 32,000 pensioners, Oladimeji remarked, “We suffered greatly under the previous administration, with many members facing extreme hardship. This led to the premature deaths of many pensioners, particularly following the implementation of an ‘amputated’ pension structure in April 2015.”

Oladimeji thanked Governor AbdulRazaq for fulfilling his promise to clear the backlog of pension arrears, adding, “We sincerely appreciate the Governor for approving over N1.4 billion for the payment of 11 months’ pension arrears. The debt was incurred by the last administration, and the Governor has now fulfilled his promise to clear it.”

He also appealed to the Governor to consider introducing a ‘pensioner minimum wage’ to reflect current economic realities and help pensioners live comfortably.

In response, the Executive Chairman of the Commission, Alhaji Umaru Shero, thanked the pensioners for their visit. He noted that their appreciation boosts the government’s confidence, showing that senior citizens are pleased with its policies and programs.

Shero commended the State NUP for their support and understanding since the current administration began, promising to relay their message to the Governor. He also urged the pensioners to extend their support and cooperation to President Ahmed Bola Tinubu to help advance his renewed hope agenda.