The Tinubu Media Volunteers (TMV) has commended the Federal Government’s settlement of N39 billion pension arrears of former staff of NITEL, PHCN and others under the Defined Benefit Scheme (DBS), describing the development as historic.
In a statement signed by its Chairman, Chukwudi Enekwechi, and Secretary, Segun Ogedengbe, the group said the payment was particularly commendable given that the arrears had remained outstanding for more than two decades.
The statement noted that the prolonged non-payment had subjected affected pensioners to significant hardship over the years, and confirmed that the settlement would cover the pensioners under the DBS.
“There is no doubt that this backlog of pension arrears has become a source of concern, not only to the pensioners and their immediate families, but also an embarrassment to the country,” the group said.
TMV argued that workers who devoted their young and productive age to serve the country should be remunerated as and when due, as such gestures would inspire younger generations to contribute meaningfully to national development.
The group described the approval as evidence of the federal government’s commitment to the welfare of workers and protection of the dignity of labour, stressing that the payment reflects the federal government’s determination to ensure that under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, pensioners receive their entitlements promptly.
According to the statement, much of the pension arrears were inherited by the present administration and, in the spirit of the Renewed Hope Agenda, all outstanding pension arrears are being settled, thereby bringing a new lease of life to public service.
The group further described the development as another milestone in the federal government’s efforts to improve the welfare of retirees and strengthen confidence in the pension administration under the Tinubu administration.
