A forthcoming boost in pension stipends for pensioners in the federal civil service is on the horizon, as revealed in a report on pension harmonization submitted to the Federal Government by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission.

The expected raise is anticipated to apply to Federal Government pensioners covered under both the new and previous pension schemes.

The National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC) conveyed this information during a courtesy visit by pensioners, led by their Chairman, Samuel Adewale, to Ekpo Nta, the Chairman of the wages commission.

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The NSIWC affirmed its commitment to pursuing the recommendations outlined in the report submitted to the Federal Government in May 2023.

The report considers the harmonization of pensions and is currently under consideration, taking into account inputs from various stakeholders, including pension unions, and financial feasibility.

Emmanuel Njoku, Head of the Press Unit at the commission, stated, “The commission had forwarded to the government sometime in May 2023, its report on the harmonisation of pensions for consideration after synthesising inputs from relevant stakeholders, including pension unions, and the availability of funds, and that the commission was regularly following this up since it would have a bearing in considering pension increases in 2024.”

Responding to inquiries, Njoku clarified that the proposed raise aligns with the negotiated minimum wage for Federal Government workers in both current and previous pension schemes.

Addressing concerns about non-receipt of recently approved palliatives, the NSIWC Chairman assured pensioners that relevant government bodies were actively addressing these issues.

Gabriel Oladele, Chairman of the Committee on Pension NUP-ASU/Parastals, urged the NSIWC to intervene in addressing miscalculations in consequential adjustments and unreasonable deductions from pensions.

Ekpo Nta, in response, pledged to review the submitted documents and consider the concerns raised.

He emphasized the importance of consulting stakeholders and following due process before issuing circulars, reaffirming the commission’s commitment to seamless preparations for the consideration of a new national minimum wage and accompanying pension review in 2024, as mandated by existing legislation.

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Additionally, Nta advised the pensioners to negotiate with Health Maintenance Organisations for affordable health insurance and encouraged scheduled online meetings to avoid the challenges associated with physical travel, given the advanced age of the retirees.