Pensioners Appeal to Tinubu, Others, Over PenCom Scheme, Claim It Exacerbates Retirees’ Hardships

The Correctional Officers Pencom Retirees Association of Nigeria (COPRAN) has expressed concerns that the contributory Pension Commission (PenCom) scheme is aggravating the difficulties faced by retirees.

In a petition addressed to President Bola Tinubu, the Senate President, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Minister of Labour, and the Human Rights Commission, among others, COPRAN argued that pensioners are being denied access to their funds by PenCom after retirement.

Mr. Anthony Ayiwulu, President of COPRAN’s Plateau Command, stated that while the PenCom policy was initially implemented with good intentions, it has inadvertently inflicted more harm than benefit on public service retirees, who are also recognized as senior citizens.

Ayiwulu emphasized the urgent need for a revision or modification of the policy to better serve those affected and to achieve more effective outcomes.

He highlighted that after 35 years of dedicated and selfless service to the nation, retirees are left with unpaid gratuities and struggle to meet even their basic needs, let alone those of their families.

“The Nigerian Army successfully opted out of the PenCom scheme because it only brought significant hardship to retired servicemen,” he noted.”

In the current economic climate, with soaring inflation, retirees face numerous expenses, including healthcare costs.”

He called for fairness in the nation’s treatment of its citizens, particularly in the prompt payment of civil and public servants, as well as retirees, which would help them better navigate retirement.

Ayiwulu also pointed out that senior citizens have yet to receive any relief to ease the country’s harsh economic conditions.

He added that while senior citizens under PenCom were instructed to submit their information through their respective Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs), they have yet to receive any positive response.