Some NEPA/PHCN pensioners on Friday staged a peaceful protest at Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos, demanding payment of outstanding pension arrears, harmonisation benefits, monetisation payments and other entitlements.
The protesters, under the aegis of Concerned NEPA/PHCN Pensioners, said some members who retired in 2000 had their terminal benefits calculated with an alleged 42 per cent shortfall, affecting their pensions and gratuities.
Their Lead Coordinator, Mr Murtala Dunmoye, said more than 4,000 pensioners were eligible for monetisation payments, but only about 3,000 had received them. He added that some pensioners who retired before 2003 were still awaiting outstanding payments linked to the harmonisation of their benefits.
Another pensioner, Mr Julius Ayodeji, said some retirees had been informed that funds were released to the Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD), with payments expected between June and December. He, however, said some beneficiaries received amounts below their expectations and urged the authorities to review the payments.
The pensioners appealed to the Federal Government to intervene and resolve their outstanding claims. A PTAD source, however, said the protesters were not affiliated with any recognised electricity-sector workers’ or pensioners’ union, adding that their claims would be presented to the appropriate authorities.
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