NUP Anambra Accuses Gov’t Of Ignoring ₦490m Primary School Pension Arrears Since 2014, Demands Payment

By Felix Oti Awka

The Nigeria Union of Pensioners, Anambra State Council, has accused the Anambra State Government of failing to pay ₦490,184,626.58 being 11 months arrears owed to some retired Primary School teachers since 2002/2003.

The Chairman, Comrade Dr. Anthony C. Ugozor (JP), disclosed this on Thursday, August 6, 2026, during a press conference in Awka.

Ugozor said the money was approved for payment since 2014 during the Peter Obi administration and a verified payment ledger containing names, bank details and amounts due was compiled in November 2014 by the Anambra State Local Government Pensions Board.

According to him, “The approval is in the custody of Joint Accounts Allocation Committee, JAAC, waiting to be disbursed to the beneficiaries. The House of Assembly confirmed the money is domiciled in JAAC Office but yet to be paid.”

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The NUP Chairman noted that despite letters written to the Speaker of the State House of Assembly in February 2024 and to the Head of Service in January 2025, nothing has been done.

“Approval is not payment and adjustment of pension is not harmonization of pension,” Ugozor stated, adding that the last pension review in Anambra was on May 1, 2000, against Section 210(3) of the 1999 Constitution which mandates review every 5 years.

While commending Gov. Charles Soludo for clearing ₦22 billion gratuity arrears inherited from the Obiano administration and the ₦10,000 award to pensioners, NUP insisted the award is not a substitute for constitutional pension harmonization and implementation of ₦32,000 minimum pension.

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The union appealed to the Governor to use his good offices to direct the Local Government Pensions Board to commence payment using the verified ledger.