NUP on the verge of balkanization, pensioners raise alarm

Pensioners under the aegis of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP), on Monday raised the alarm that there are plots by some people to factionalise the association, which they said has been existing for a long time after it was properly registered with the government. The union warned that the recent registration of a parallel […]

Pensioners under the aegis of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP), on Monday raised the alarm that there are plots by some people to factionalise the association, which they said has been existing for a long time after it was properly registered with the government.

The union warned that the recent registration of a parallel retirees’ body by the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment is a direct violation of the Trade Unions Act and a threat to decades of unity among pensioners.

President of the union, Comrade Godwin Abumisi, who raised the alarm while addressing journalists shortly after an emergency National Executive Council (NEC) meeting that was held in Abuja, explained that the meeting was convened to deliberate on what he termed “ugly developments” within the union’s fold.

Abumisi described the situation as grave, saying the meeting was called as a “rescue mission” to safeguard the integrity and cohesion of the NUP.

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“Our meeting today is a call for a rescue mission in preventing our union from being plunged into avoidable internal and external crises, especially by the untoward activities of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment.

“It is already a public knowledge that the ministry recently registered a body called ‘Association of Retirees of State Government’, which is a calculated action by the ministry to destabilize the unity, solidarity, power of collectivity and the peace that has been reigning within the rank of the union for decades,” Abumisi stated.

The NUP president maintained that the action runs contrary to established labour laws, stressing that it contravenes the provisions of the Trade Unions Act Cap T.14, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

“It is incontrovertible that the action of the ministry contravenes the provisions of the Trade Unions Act… This we should all rise up to prevent and resist with vigour,” he declared.

Despite the strong criticism, Abumisi reaffirmed the union’s long-standing tradition of cooperation with government, particularly under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which he commended for reforms in the pension sector.

“NUP, from its inception, has been peaceful, peace-loving and cooperative with all successive Federal Governments of Nigeria, most especially the current Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led administration,” he said.

He expressed appreciation for recent government interventions, including the release of N58 billion for Defined Benefit Scheme pensioners and N758 billion for contributory pension increases, noting that these measures have brought relief to retirees.

“We would continue to be grateful for the ongoing reformation in the nation’s pension industry and the sustained approvals for releases of funds… which has greatly provided succour and alleviated the untold hardship and sufferings of our members in recent times,” he added.

Abumisi, however, cautioned that the progress recorded could be undermined if divisive actions are allowed to persist, urging union leaders to remain united and focused.

“I want to appeal for objective contributions from members, devoid of any tribal, political or sectional sentiments that may end up threatening our unity, our image and our continued relevance as a corporate trade union organization,” he said.

Reiterating his leadership commitment, the NUP president reminded members of his mission to strengthen the union.

“Let me quickly remind you of my mission statement… ‘to leave NUP better than I met it.’ This has remained my only driving force,” he said.

He also called on members to uphold their oath of office, emphasizing discipline, unity, and collective responsibility in navigating the current challenges.