By Adesina Wahab

The Congress of University Academics, CONUA, has commended the federal government for approving the sum of N758 billion to clear outstanding pensions arrears under the Defined Benefit Scheme.

The Congress, in statement by the National President, Dr Niyi Sunmonu, said the move would address long standing issues affecting retired federal workers, especially academics.

“This move is commendable, because it will address a long-standing issue affecting retired federal workers, particularly academics, many of whom have endured years of uncertainty regarding their entitlements. While CONUA recognizes this as a commendable initiative, it also requests for committed and timely implementation to ensure that this approval does not remain merely an announcement but is fully executed to the benefit of these intended retirees.

“The well-being of pensioners must remain one of the top priorities, and prompt disbursement will go a long way in restoring confidence in the pension system.

Furthermore, we note that this development also serves as a direct follow-up to discussions held during the CONUA Webinar, with the theme, “Pension Administration in Nigeria: Issues, Challenges & Way Forward”, which took place on September 26, 2024.

“At that session, Dr. Umar Farouk Aminu, the Commissioner Administration of the National Pension Commission (PENCOM) made a presentation highlighting the systemic challenges in pension administration in Nigeria. The approval of this bond speaks directly to the concerns raised during that session, reinforcing the need for continuous engagement with stakeholders to ensure pension policies are effectively implemented.

“CONUA will continue to monitor the implementation process closely and expects that the government will uphold its commitment to retirees by ensuring that these funds are released and disbursed without delays or administrative inefficiencies. As always, we remain committed to advocating for the welfare and rights of our members, including retired ones and all workers in the education sector.

“As a union committed to the welfare of university academics and other professionals, CONUA will remain keenly observant of the next steps and also urge all relevant authorities and stakeholders including the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP), National Pension Commission (PENCOM), Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs), etc. to follow through with the implementation process transparently and efficiently. We look forward to seeing these funds reach the beneficiaries without unnecessary delays.”