Michael Vember, the Benue State Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP), has raised alarm over the dire situation pensioners in the state continue to face.
Vember revealed that some retirees are still receiving as little as N4,000 per month, questioning how they are expected to survive given the high cost of living.
While commending Governor Hyacinth Alia for regularly disbursing pension payments, Vember pointed out a significant issue with local government pensioners.
He explained that while state pensioners have received payments up to December, those at the local government level have not been paid for November, likely due to delays in remittances from Local Government Chairmen.
The NUP chairman further mentioned that the Alia administration inherited a substantial backlog of pension arrears, with 96 months owed at the local government level and 42 months at the state level.
Despite these challenges, many pensioners continue to receive a meager N4,000 per month, which falls far short of covering basic living expenses.
Vember called for urgent action, urging the state government to prioritize the welfare of pensioners, particularly as the economic strain of the past year has made life even more difficult for them.
He expressed hope that the government would address these concerns promptly.
