The amount of pension arrears owed by the federal and state governments has reached over N193bn. While some states have been making efforts to clear these arrears, there is still a significant backlog remaining. The Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS), established by the Pension Reform Act of 2004, requires both employees and employers to contribute to a Retirement Savings Account to ensure sustainable pensions.
Despite these efforts, there are challenges in clearing the arrears, leading to frustration among pensioners who are planning a rally in Abuja to demand payment. Various states like Zamfara, Plateau, Benue, Kano, and Kaduna are facing issues with pension payments, with some retirees waiting for years to receive their entitlements.
In a positive development, Zamfara State has started clearing its N9.3bn pension arrears, demonstrating a commitment to reforming the pension system. In contrast, other states like Plateau are struggling to fulfill promises made to pensioners, leaving many retirees in dire financial situations.
The situation is similar in Enugu State, where retirees have not been paid pensions for months, leading to hardships and, in some cases, deaths among pensioners. Efforts are being made in other states like Nasarawa to clear outstanding gratuities, showing some progress in addressing the pension arrears issue.
Overall, the challenges faced by pensioners in various states highlight the urgent need for governments to prioritize the payment of pension arrears and ensure the financial security of retirees.