By Victor Ahiuma-Young

The Nigeria Union of Pensioners, NUP, has clarified the circumstances surrounding the compulsory retirement of its General Secretary, Mr Actor Zal, insisting that the decision strictly followed the union’s constitution, staff regulations and public service rules.

The President of NUP, Mr Godwin Abumis, made the clarification  in Abuja , following concerns and allegations over the retirement of the long-serving union official.

Abumis recalled that Zal, a career officer of the union, was issued a notice of compulsory retirement on February 3 after attaining the age of 65, the mandatory retirement age stipulated in the union’s constitution and in line with public service regulations.

He explained that the decision was a direct outcome of constitutional amendments adopted at the union’s 2025 delegates’ conference held in Kano. 

According to him, the amendments were introduced to address gaps in the previous constitution, particularly in areas affecting leadership structure, staff management and accountability.

“The General Secretary has faithfully served the union for over 42 years and has reached the retirement age of 65 as provided for in our constitution and public service rules,” Abumis said. 

“Retirement is a standard administrative procedure, not a punishment. It ensures orderly leadership succession and compliance with existing regulations”, he said.

The NUP president stressed that the reforms were driven by feedback from pensioners and delegates, noting that the union belonged to pensioners and not administrative staff. 

He added that prior to the reforms, staff had exercised excessive control, a situation he said undermined the interests of pensioners.

Abumis dismissed allegations that Zal’s retirement was illegal or targeted at any individual, stating that the policy applied uniformly to all staff and was duly approved by the National Executive Council, NEC, of the union.

He further assured members that Zal’s retirement benefits would be computed in line with the union’s service scheme and paid without delay. Committees, he said, had already been set up to oversee the handover of responsibilities and assets to ensure a smooth transition.

Reaffirming the union’s commitment to transparency, accountability and the welfare of pensioners nationwide, Abumis appealed to members to remain calm and support the ongoing reforms aimed at strengthening service delivery.

He also promised continued engagement with relevant authorities and legal teams to ensure full compliance with the law, while commending President Bola Tinubu for approving over N758 billion to clear outstanding pension liabilities across the country.

The NUP leadership maintained that the reforms were necessary to safeguard the future of the union and protect the collective interests of pensioners nationwide.