By Seun Ibiyemi
The Nigerian Union of Pensioners (NUP) has called on the Federal Government to extend the recently approved N70,000 monthly transport allowance for public servants to retired workers, arguing that pensioners also face growing economic hardship.
The union made the appeal at a press briefing in Abuja, noting that many retirees were vulnerable due to health challenges, rising living costs and dependence on their pensions as their only source of income.
While appreciating the Federal Government for recognising the need to improve the welfare of serving public workers, the NUP questioned why retired workers, who also devoted their productive years to national service, were excluded from the transport allowance arrangement.
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The union argued that pensioners deserved similar consideration, particularly as many struggle to meet their basic needs amid prevailing economic conditions.
The NUP also expressed concern over the non-implementation of the N25,000 monthly palliative announced by the Federal Government in October 2023 for 15 million households and vulnerable persons, including pensioners.
It called for attention to the welfare of retirees, stressing that government support measures should also address the economic difficulties confronting those who have completed their years of public service.
