Hope rises for Enugu retirees as govt approves N32,000 pension

Pensioners in Enugu State have reason for renewed hope following the state government's approval of a new minimum pension of N32,000 for local government retirees. Payments are expected to commence once administrative procedures are finalized.

In a significant welfare enhancement, the government has also approved the enrollment of all local government pensioners into the state's free health insurance scheme. This initiative is slated to launch on August 20, 2026, providing retirees with access to quality healthcare services under the Enugu State Universal Health Coverage Scheme (ESUHCS).

Dr. Eric Oluedo, Executive Secretary of the Enugu State Local Government Staff Pensions Board, confirmed these developments. He appealed for patience from pensioners, attributing any delay in implementing the new pension rate solely to administrative processes. Governor Peter Mbah has already given his assent to the new minimum pension.

Oluedo praised Governor Mbah as a compassionate and transformative leader, noting that his administration has fundamentally improved pension administration. Since July 2024, monthly pensions have been paid promptly. The establishment of pension desk officers across the state's 17 local government areas has also streamlined access to services for retirees, eliminating the need for travel to Enugu.

"Before this administration, pensioners did not receive their pensions regularly. Today, pensions are paid as and when due, even before the regular staff receive their salaries," Oluedo stated. He expressed confidence that the governor would soon begin clearing outstanding gratuities, pension arrears, and the newly approved N32,000 minimum pension, demonstrating a commitment to settling liabilities rather than deferring them.

This development follows an appeal by the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP), Enugu State Council, to Governor Mbah to implement the pension review linked to the new national minimum wage. The union highlighted that some retirees were receiving as little as N447 monthly, emphasizing that no pensioner should earn below the approved minimum. While commending the governor for restoring regular payments and clearing arrears, the NUP chairman, Ikechukwu Ekere, noted the ongoing issue of unpaid gratuities.

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Before this administration, pensioners did not receive their pensions regularly. Today, pensions are paid as and when due, even before the regular staff receive their salaries.