Pensioners Seek Amendment Of Contributory Pension Act

The National Association of Contributory Pensioners (NCCP) has urged the National Assembly to without delay begin the amendment of the Pension Reform Act, 2004 to liberalise its operation.

The call is contained in a statement signed by Dr Ntonoba Mfam and Dr Odeh Ichakpa, the Protem Chairman and Secretary, respectively of the association.

The statement added that the inequality promoted by the Section 9 (a) (b) and (c) of the Act was intolerable.

According to the statement, the lowering of financial benefits accruable to retired officers contrary to some provisions of the Act is a violation of the law.

“For example, the monthly benefit of most Federal Government retired officers is currently below 25 per cent of their last pay, while in service as against the 50 per cent prescribed by the Act.

“It is a matter of regret that retired officers under the contributory pension scheme do not benefit from periodic salary reviews after their retirement whereas our colleagues under the old scheme benefit from such reviews.

“It is noteworthy that the contributory pension scheme provides for 18 years after retirement, with a possible five additional years.

“Even with the maximum expectation of 83 years, the scheme does not cater for the geriatric/financial needs of the officers who live above 83 years.

“In the circumstance, the Act should be reviewed to include elements that will guarantee the comfort of retired officers until they are called to glory,’’ the statement said.

The statement also urged the Federal Government to extend the health/medical programmes under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) to this group of retired officers.

According to it, the appropriate empowerment agencies of the Federal Government should also develop special products and facilities to empower retired officers.

“The association is praying the Federal Government to consider the flight of retired officers under the contributory scheme particularly, its absence of institutional social securities,’’ the statement further said.

However, the association expressed delight on the 2013 training programme conducted for officers, most of who had retired from service for period ranging from one to two years.