Pensioners Seek Fair Pension Structure at South East NUP Meeting in AwkaBy Oguocha Chukwuebuka
The event featured extensive deliberations on critical issues affecting pension administration, retirees’ welfare, and the need for a more sustainable and efficient pension payment system.
The South East Zone of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners held its 2026 Zonal Meeting on Friday, April 15, 2026, in Awka, with stakeholders advocating for the harmonization of pensions and improved welfare for retirees across the country.
The meeting attracted prominent dignitaries, including the Anambra State Head of Service, Barrister Ngozi Anuli Iwouno, and the Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Comrade Sir Humphrey Emeka Nwafor, alongside union leaders, pension administrators, and delegates from across the South East region.
The event featured extensive deliberations on critical issues affecting pension administration, retirees’ welfare, and the need for a more sustainable and efficient pension payment system.
In his welcome address, the Anambra State Chairman and South East Zonal Chairman of the NUP, Comrade Dr. Ugozor Anthony, welcomed delegates, national executives, and government officials to the meeting. He commended the Head of Service, Barrister Ngozi Iwouno, for honoring the event despite her busy schedule, describing her presence as a demonstration of the government’s commitment to the welfare of pensioners and retirees.
Comrade Ugozor also praised the administration of Professor Charles Chukwuma Soludo for its efforts toward improving the welfare of pensioners, particularly in the payment of gratuity arrears inherited from previous administrations, as well as the prompt payment of retirees’ entitlements. He expressed optimism over the proposed harmonization of pensions and the implementation of a new minimum pension for retirees.
He, however, appealed to the government to address the outstanding eleven-month pension arrears owed to some primary school pensioners dating back to 2002 and 2003. He further urged governors in the South East region to emulate Anambra State’s efforts in improving the living conditions of pensioners, while calling for sustained collaboration between government and organized labour for the overall progress of the state.
Speaking at the event, the Anambra State Chairman of the NLC, Comrade Sir Humphrey Emeka Nwafor, disclosed that during negotiations for the new minimum wage, Governor Soludo approved an additional ten thousand naira support for pensioners in the state. He noted that pension-related concerns also formed part of discussions during the recent NLC Pre-May Day programme attended by the Head of Service.
According to him, the governor had assured labour leaders that steps were being taken toward reviewing pensions in the state, adding that the Commissioner for Finance and the Secretary to the State Government had been directed to work on the necessary figures and modalities.
In her address, the Head of Service, Barrister Ngozi Anuli Iwouno, described pensioners as an important pillar of society whose years of sacrifice, dedication, and experience contributed immensely to national development. She reaffirmed the commitment of the Anambra State Government under Governor Soludo toward improving the welfare and living conditions of pensioners through prompt attention to pension-related matters.
Barrister Iwouno further noted that the zonal meeting provided an avenue for meaningful discussions, exchange of ideas, and the strengthening of unity among pensioners within the South East zone. She urged participants to make valuable contributions that would advance the objectives of the union and promote the welfare of members across the region before formally declaring the meeting open.
A major highlight of the meeting was the renewed call for the harmonization of pensions to ensure fairness, equity, and improved living standards for retired workers across the country.
Also speaking, the National President of the NUP, Mazi Godwin Ikechukwu Abumisi, urged pensioners not to lose hope, assuring them that efforts were ongoing at the national level to secure improved financial support and better welfare packages for retirees nationwide.
The Head of Service also commended the Anambra State Chairman of the union for his dedication and leadership, while praising the National President for his vibrancy, eloquence, and commitment to the affairs of pensioners despite his age.
The meeting ended with renewed optimism among pensioners and stakeholders on the need for continued advocacy, pension reforms, and improved welfare for retirees across Nigeria.
