TINUBU URGED TO SETTLE UNPAID SUBSIDY-REMOVAL RELIEF FOR PENSIONERS

The Federal Parastatals and Private Sector Pensioners Association of Nigeria (FEPPPAN) has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to direct the immediate payment of outstanding fuel subsidy-removal relief to eligible pensioners, warning that delays are worsening the financial difficulties faced by retirees.

The association is seeking payment of the three-month palliative of ₦25,000 per month, amounting to ₦75,000 for each eligible beneficiary. The relief was introduced to cushion the effects of fuel subsidy removal on vulnerable Nigerians.

In a communiqué issued after its National Executive Council meeting in Abuja, FEPPPAN said pensioners deserved the same consideration given to other groups affected by the rising cost of living. It noted that many retirees depend on fixed monthly pensions to meet essential expenses, including food, medication, accommodation and transportation.

The association also called on the Federal Government to settle verified outstanding pension liabilities and provide clear explanations about the pension harmonisation exercise, which it said took effect in January 2026.

FEPPPAN expressed concern that uncertainty surrounding the policy had left some retirees unclear about how their benefits would be affected. It urged the Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD) to publish the relevant guidelines and establish regular consultations with pensioners’ representatives.

The association further called for measures to ensure that elderly, sick and physically incapacitated pensioners are not excluded from payments because of difficulties with the planned relaunch of the “I Am Alive” verification platform.

On healthcare, FEPPPAN urged PTAD and the National Health Insurance Authority to simplify enrolment into the Pensioner Health Insurance Scheme and provide assistance for retirees who struggle with registration.

While commending Tinubu for the regular payment of monthly pensions to retirees under the Defined Benefit Scheme, the association urged the President to extend the same commitment to outstanding entitlements.

FEPPPAN maintained that prompt payment of pension benefits and relief packages would ease retirees’ hardship and protect their dignity after years of service.