Pensioners hail Tinubu’s choice of Bindawa to head NSIWC

The Federal Parastatals and Private Sector Pensioners’ Association of Nigeria (FEPPPAN) has lauded President Bola Tinubu's selection of Major-General Junaid Bindawa to lead the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC). The association views Bindawa as a leader possessing the requisite experience, discipline, and leadership qualities to effectively manage the commission and enhance the well-being of both active workers and retirees.

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Bindawa possessed the experience, discipline and leadership qualities required to effectively head the commission and improve the welfare of workers and pensioners.

In a formal congratulatory letter, FEPPPAN's leadership expressed strong confidence that Bindawa's appointment will bring renewed focus to the critical concerns of workers and pensioners. They underscored the NSIWC's pivotal role as the "heartbeat" of their welfare, emphasizing that strong leadership is essential for safeguarding their interests. The association specifically called on Bindawa to make pensioners a priority in the upcoming implementation of the three-yearly review of pensions and wages, ensuring they are not overlooked in national income policies.

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the NSIWC as the “heartbeat” of workers’ and pensioners’ welfare, stressing that effective leadership of the commission was critical to protecting their interests.

FEPPPAN reminded the new chairman of the NSIWC's statutory obligations, which encompass both workers and pensioners. They referenced Section 173(3) of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, which empowers the commission to review pensions for public and private sector retirees alongside workers' wages. The association also acknowledged the Federal Government's recent decision to reduce the review interval for pensions and wages from five years to three, deeming it a significant policy development that requires effective execution.

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the 1999 Constitution in Section 173(3), as amended, empowers you to review the pensions of both public and private sector pensioners along with the wages of workers.

Expressing faith in Bindawa's capabilities, FEPPPAN urged him to leverage the new review framework to address the welfare challenges faced by pensioners, particularly in light of current economic difficulties. The association also highlighted the existence of three registered pension unions and advocated for an inclusive approach in the NSIWC's operations, ensuring that the perspectives of workers and pensioners are duly considered in decisions regarding wages, pensions, and incomes. FEPPPAN reiterated its appreciation to President Tinubu for appointing a competent leader to head the commission.

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We have confidence in your pedigree, discipline and capacity, and hope that you will extend your kind good gesture to the senior citizens of this great country in the three-yearly reviews of pensions and wages.