SNOW TV NEWS DESK
Pensioners in Imo State have accused the state government of subjecting retirees to repeated and unnecessary verification exercises, alleging that the process is being used to frustrate them and delay access to their retirement benefits.
The Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP), Imo State chapter, expressed its displeasure in a statement jointly signed by the Chairman of the Pensioners Intervention Committee (PIC), Iyke Ohaneje, and its Secretary, Charles Amadi.
The union described the frequent verification exercises as a burden on elderly citizens who are already struggling with delayed pension payments. According to the pensioners, retirees are repeatedly required to travel to designated centers, queue for biometric capturing, and spend money on transportation without receiving any compensation for the inconvenience.
The union questioned the justification for the repeated exercises, arguing that retired workers are already issued identification cards that should serve as proof of their identities when dealing with government agencies.
It further described the exercise as a waste of public resources, insisting that pensioners should not continually be subjected to procedures that add to their financial and physical difficulties.
Beyond the verification controversy, the NUP raised concerns over what it described as irregularities and selective payments in the state’s pension administration.
The union alleged that pension payments are being handled by individuals other than the state accountant-general, whom it identified as the legally responsible authority. It also accused those managing the process of paying retirees arbitrarily, with some pensioners allegedly receiving their benefits while others remain unpaid.
The NUP argued that if the government is experiencing financial difficulties, available funds should be distributed proportionately rather than prioritizing retirees based on the size of their entitlements.
It also called for a definite payment schedule, saying pensioners should not be left uncertain about when their next payments will arrive. According to the union, inconsistent payments and claims that everyone has been paid have created unnecessary tension within families, particularly between retirees, their spouses, and creditors.
Another major concern raised by the pensioners is the alleged failure to harmonize pensions since 2003. The union maintained that pension adjustments should reflect salary increases or take place every five years, whichever comes first, to help retirees cope with rising living costs.
It warned that pensioners who retired before the introduction of the minimum wage have been left with particularly inadequate monthly benefits.
The union also condemned the alleged non-payment of death benefits to families of deceased retirees, describing the situation as an injustice to families whose loved ones spent years serving the state.
Citing Section 210 of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria, as amended, and Section 18 of the Pension Act, the NUP insisted that pension entitlements should not be treated as discretionary payments or withheld arbitrarily.
The allegations have renewed attention on the welfare of retired public servants in Imo State, many of whom depend on their pensions for basic necessities, healthcare, and family support.
The pensioners are now calling on the state government to review its verification procedures, address alleged irregularities in payment administration, clear outstanding entitlements, and establish a transparent payment timetable.
For the retirees, the issue goes beyond administrative procedures. It is about receiving the benefits they earned after years of service without having to repeatedly struggle for what they consider their legitimate entitlement.
“Sir Bartholomew White Ebe is a Lagos-based media personality, Music Artist, Producer, and a Relationship Coach and independent journalist. With over seven years of experience tracking political developments and cultural shifts in Nigeria, he specializes in local current affairs, grassroots politics, and community-driven reporting across Lagos State. As the founder and chief editor of Snow Multimedia Connect {SNOW TV}, he leads the editorial team to deliver verified, high-impact stories to digital audiences.”
Email: snowmediaconnect@gmail.com
