The Anambra State Council of the Nigeria Association of Pensioners has called upon Governor Chukwuma Soludo to address outdated pension rates. This request comes after it was revealed that a retired senior matron in the state, known as Mrs. Fanny Ngozi Uchefuna, is receiving a monthly pension of only N330.
Uchefuna, who retired in 1994 from the State Education Commission, has sparked the union to request a review and harmonization of pension rates in the state. They referenced a circular from the National Salaries, Incomes, and Wages Commission to support their plea for implementing new rates.
Furthermore, the Retired Directors of the Anambra State Public Service have also joined in the call for a pension review and harmonization, as retirees have not seen an increase since 2003. While they appreciated the N10,000 granted by Governor Soludo to retirees awaiting harmonization, they stressed the urgency for action.
The retired directors emphasized that pensions should be harmonized every five years or in line with salary reviews for active officers, as outlined in the 1999 Constitution. They expressed gratitude to Governor Soludo for his efforts and willingness to harmonize pensions, offering their support through consultancy services and knowledge transfer in aiding the government.