By Amos Aar
A PENSIONER in Benue State has appealed to the state government to review upward pension allowances to enable pensioners cope with the rising cost of living.
An official of the state council of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP), who pleaded anonymity as he is not the duly authorised officer to speak on behalf of the union, told National Record on the side-lines of an emergency meeting of the NUP held in Makurdi on Tuesday, while commending Governor Hyacinth Alia for his consistent payment of pensions however emphasized the need for adjustments to enable retirees to cope with the rising inflation in the country.
“The governor is paying us, and I appreciate him for that. But let there be an upward review of the allowances just as civil servants’ salaries have been upped,” the pensioner said.
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This appeal reflects the broad sentiments of pensioners in not only the state, but also nationally, where retirees have long advocated for adjustments to their allowances to reflect economic realities, although the appeal was eventually not part of NUP’s collective resolutions.
Meanwhile, the Benue State Council of the NUP, in its communiqué issued after the meeting, commended Governor Alia for his dedication to pensioners’ welfare.
The council, comprising state executives and representatives from all 23 local government branches, passed a unanimous vote of confidence on the governor’s leadership.
The council resolved to purchase a nomination form for Governor Alia to contest for re-election in 2027, describing him as a leader with unwavering commitment to pensioners.
It also urged its members to continue praying for the governor’s success in office and for greater development in the state.
