The government of Edo state has assured pensioners in the state of improved welfare and universal health coverage.
The state deputy governor, Hon. Dennis Idahosa gave the assurance in Benin on Tuesday, during a courtesy visit to his office by members of the Edo State Chapter of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP).
A statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Friday Aghedo, Idahosa assured the pensioners of Monday Okpebholo’s led administration commitment to improving on the welfare of all citizens.
Idahosa said that the government remains upbeat and committed toward representing the interest of pensioners.
“The Governor is committed towards the welfare of the pensioners of Edo State,” he stated.
Idahosa, who reacted to a request concerning the need to expedite payments of outstanding arrears to already screened pensioners cutting across local government and state level, pointed out, “The Governor is keen at clearing all outstanding arrears.”
Similarly, the assured that the pensioners of benefitting from the state universal health coverage.
He concluded with the assurance that the governor’s work would soon be visible to all across the state.
The State Chairman of Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP), Comrade Samuel Okhuelegbe, who spoke on behalf of his executive, enumerated challenges of the union, which includes meager amount received as pension
He commended the state government for setting up a committee to review the Contributory Pension Scheme.
“The essence is to narrow the yawning gap in monthly pensions between counterparts, under the contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) as well as define benefits of the scheme.
“Though the report of the committee has long been submitted, the final outcome of the report should be considered in the interest of affected pensioners,” he appealed
He, however, sued for improved benefits for retirees going by the improved minimum wage as applicable to workers in Edo State.
