By Uzo Ugwunze
The Nigerian Union of Pensioners (NUP) has appealed to South-East governors to harmonize pension rates and promptly implement the new national minimum pension of N32,000 once it is officially announced at the end of May 2026.
Speaking at the NUP South-East Zonal Meeting on Friday, May 15, 2026, at Peackastel Royal Suites and Hotels, Awka, NUP South-East Chairman and Anambra State Chairman Comrade Anthony Ugozor urged governors to prioritize pensioners’ welfare. He said senior citizens devoted their most productive years to serving the country and deserve fair treatment in retirement.
Comrade Ugozor called for harmonization so retirees who held the same grade level receive the same pension regardless of their retirement date. He noted current disparities, where a Grade 12 retiree from 2020 might receive N15,000 while a Grade 12 retiree from 2025 gets N25,000, even though both live in the same economy.
In light of the approved federal minimum pension of N32,000, Comrade Ugozor called on Governor Chukwuma Soludo and other South-East governors to
promptly effect the adjustment following the federal government’s announcement.
He also commended Governor Soludo for clearing four years of outstanding gratuities (2017–2020) for state and local government pensioners amounting to N22 billion left by the previous administration. Comrade Ugozor urged other governors to emulate Soludo, noting that under Soludo retired workers receive gratuities on retirement and pensions are paid on schedule.
He reminded the governor that N490,184,626.58 in federal funds owed to primary school pensioners from 2002/2003 remains with the Local Government Pension Board; some intended beneficiaries have since died.
Opening the conference, Head of Service Barr. Ngozi Iwuno encouraged pensioners to maintain peace of mind in retirement and reassured them that Governor Soludo’s administration remains committed to their welfare. She praised pensioners’ past service and ongoing contributions to society.
Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) Anambra State Chairman Comrade Sir Humphrey Emeka Nwafor called for unity among pensioners and confirmed that the NLC has taken up the N32,000 pension issue.
He also noted that Governor Soludo has been providing a non-taxable N10,000 monthly stipend to pensioners since October 2024, and that the state’s SSG, HoS and Finance Commissioner are reviewing calculations related to implementing the new minimum.
Ugwunze is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
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