Nigerian pensioners, represented by the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP), have expressed their outrage over the recent fuel price increase, which they say is causing unbearable pain and hardship for them and other vulnerable groups in the country. The Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) recently raised the pump price of fuel from N617 to N897 per litre, depending on the location. This decision has drawn significant criticism from citizens across Nigeria.
Comrade Godwin Abumisi, the National President of the NUP, stated that pensioners and vulnerable populations are disproportionately affected by the removal of fuel subsidies, leading to hyperinflation and skyrocketing prices for essential goods and services. He lamented that poor Nigerians and pensioners are often at the mercy of insensitive government policies, struggling to recover from previous fuel price hikes that sparked nationwide protests against bad governance just months ago.
Abumisi condemned the Federal Government’s decision to further increase fuel prices, arguing that it only serves to deepen the economic struggles of Nigerians, pushing many toward poverty and despair. He emphasized that this situation reflects the government’s insensitivity and could lead to dire consequences for the populace, who find it unacceptable to live in poverty in an oil-rich nation.
The NUP highlighted the dire conditions faced by pensioners, who are experiencing severe financial strain exacerbated by the continuous rise in fuel prices, rendering their meager monthly pensions virtually worthless. The union criticized the government for neglecting the voices of pensioners, stating that they have no one to advocate for their rights and needs.
Furthermore, the union expressed disappointment over the government’s failure to fulfill its promise of providing N25,000 palliatives to pensioners and the six-month wage award to both workers and pensioners. This broken promise adds to the frustrations of those already struggling to make ends meet.
In light of the current economic challenges, the NUP urged both the Federal and State Governments to consider adjusting pension emoluments based on the new minimum wage of N70,000. They argued that if workers receive a 110% increase in their wages, pensioners should receive the same adjustment to avoid discrimination, as all wage earners are facing similar economic hardships
