By Cross Udo, Abuja
The national leadership of the Nigerian Union of Pensioners, NUP, has dissociated itself from any planned protest over the recently approved N32,000 pension increment by the federal government, warning all its members across the country to shun such actions.
Speaking in Abuja after a stakeholders’ engagement initiated by the Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD), the NUP Deputy National President, Chief Abdulahi Onu, declared that the union remained fully committed to dialogue and engagement with relevant authorities and will not resort to protests or using confrontational approaches.
Onu emphasised that the NUP, which represents the collective interests of pensioners nationwide, is satisfied with the clarifications provided by PTAD regarding the N32,000 increment and ongoing efforts to clear outstanding arrears.
He said that the union does not support and will not participate in any protest organised by unrecognised groups or individuals acting outside the union’s constitutionally recognised structures.
Specifically distancing the national body from any planned demonstrations, Chief Onu alleged that certain groups, including the NIPOST, Lagos branch and other factions, have been circulating information about protests over the increment and arrears.
He said such actions are unilateral, unauthorised, and do not reflect the position of the NUP leadership.
According to him, “Our leadership representing members across the country is satisfied with the explanation of PTAD on the issue of the N32,000 pension increment and its efforts at clearing the arrears.
“We also appreciate President Tinubu for all his efforts in improving the living conditions of pensioners.
“We are also directing all our members to stay away from the rumoured protest called by some group of pensioners. PTAD is currently addressing the issues and concerns of all pensioners regarding the N32,000 pension increase, and we trust that the agency’s efforts towards making the payment will come to fruition shortly.
“No group of pensioners, chapter, or sector should decide, let alone send out a circular announcing a protest or any form of industrial action, without the consent of the national leadership. It is not right, and neither is it the character of a responsible trade union,” he warned.
