By Jelili Gbadamosi
The House of Representatives has launched an investigation into alleged unpaid pension arrears and the exclusion of some retired employees of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) from general pension increases.
The decision followed the adoption of a motion sponsored by the member representing Igabi Federal Constituency of Kaduna State, Hussaini Jallo, during plenary on Tuesday.
The motion, titled “Need to investigate the Central Bank of Nigeria for alleged breach of approved pension agreements, non-implementation of harmonization policy and exclusion of pensioners from general pension increases,” raised concerns over the treatment of retired CBN workers.
Jallo alleged that the failure to implement an approved pension harmonisation policy had created disparities in benefits and contributed to the accumulation of pension arrears.
He also accused the apex bank of excluding some pensioners from general increases based on additional conditions which, according to him, may not be supported by existing laws, agreements or pension policies.
The lawmaker said the number of CBN pensioners had reduced from 5,104 in 2011 to about 3,000, noting that many of those still alive were facing financial difficulties as a result of delayed payments.
Jallo warned that prolonged delays in settling pension obligations could worsen the economic and health conditions of elderly retirees.
He stressed that pensioners who served the country were entitled to transparency, fairness and prompt payment of their lawful benefits.
Following the adoption of the motion through a voice vote, the House directed relevant authorities to verify and settle all outstanding pension arrears owed to eligible CBN retirees within a specified timeframe.
Lawmakers also called for qualified pensioners to benefit from applicable general pension increases in line with existing laws and approved policies.
The House further resolved to invite CBN Governor Olayemi Cardoso, relevant officials of the apex bank, pension administrators, regulators and representatives of affected pensioners to provide explanations and supporting documents.
Its Committee on Pension was mandated to investigate the alleged breaches of pension agreements, the non-implementation of the harmonisation policy and the circumstances surrounding the accumulation of arrears.
The committee is also expected to examine payment records, policy circulars, agreements and actuarial reports to determine the extent of the alleged failures and recommend appropriate measures to resolve the issues.
