By Abdullahi Alhassan
Kaduna, Nigeria, May 9,2026(Series News Online)-The Forum of Retirees from the 19 Northern States and the Federal Capital Territory has faulted the registration of a rival pensioners’ body, describing it as unconstitutional and a threat to the unity of retired public servants.
At the end of its meeting, the Forum called on the national leadership of the Nigerian Union of Pensioners, NUP, to pursue legal action against the move, which it labelled a breach of constitutional provisions. It also urged state chapters to improve internal management and ensure inclusiveness to prevent divisions among members.
Speaking to journalists, Hudu Baba Abdullahi, Chairman of the Nassarawa State Chapter of NUP, said the Forum was worried that several states had yet to implement the N32,000 pension increase and its consequential adjustment. He noted that pension increments are guaranteed under Section 210(3) of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, and urged defaulting states to comply without delay to cushion retirees against economic hardship.
On gratuity and death benefits, the Forum praised states that had maintained regular payments to retirees while appealing to others to clear outstanding entitlements. “We appeal to those yet to pay to do so in the name of God so that our senior citizens can enjoy peace after years of service,” Abdullahi said.
Comrade Alhassan Balarabe Musa, Secretary of the United Trade Union and Kaduna State Chapter, also voiced concern over the plight of pensioners, citing the emergence of a parallel association and persistent delays in pension and gratuity payments.
He explained that the meeting was convened to sensitise members on the registration of the “Association of State Retirees of Nigeria.” While acknowledging Nigerians’ right to association, he stressed that only a union backed by law could represent pensioners’ interests.
Musa further highlighted the significance of the N32,000 adjustment in the circular from the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission. “In Kaduna, a pensioner currently receiving N32,000 monthly would rise to N62,000 if the circular is implemented,” he said, urging all state governments to act swiftly to ease hardship among retirees.
The union decried wide disparities in pension payments across northern states, noting that some retirees receive as little as N1,950 monthly in Benue, N3,500 in Zamfara and Sokoto, N5,000 in Katsina, and N3,000 in Kaduna, compared to N12,000 to N20,000 in Kano and Jigawa.
Musa appealed to governors to prioritise retirees’ welfare, stressing that many had served the nation for 35 years or more. “Pensioners keep their word because of their age and integrity. Treat them fairly and they will stand with you. Ignore them today, and you may face the same fate tomorrow,” he warned.
The Forum ended with a renewed pledge to sustain advocacy for timely payment of pensions, gratuities, and the implementation of the approved increase, insisting that retirees deserve dignity and financial security after decades of service.
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Pensions