The national leadership of the United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc Pensioners’ Welfare Association, known as UBA Pensioners, has asked the Nigerian government to prevail on the bank management to carry out an “immediate review of our monthly Pension in line with all Pension increases approved by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC) since 1995.”
The UBA Pensioners, which belong to the Federal Parastatals and Private Sector Pensioners Association of Nigeria (FEPPPAN), said that the bank management should carry out the review as many pensioners had been sent to their early graves as a result of the meager pensions.
The pensioners therefore, called on the Nigerian government, the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC), the National Human Rights Commission, International Human Rights Organisations, and Civil Society Organisations to come to their aid.
In a statement signed by their National Chairman and General Secretary, Fidelis O. Fapohunda and Franklin O. Erinle, respectively, and delivered at a press conference in Abuja, the pensioners alleged that despite countless promises and plea for patience, the bank has delayed the implementation of the constitutionally backed pension increments and other entitlements of pensioners.
The statement demands “Immediate review of our monthly Pension in line with all Pension increases approved in Nigeria by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC) since 1995. Implementation of other entitlements due to our members” Responding to questions from journalists, Erinle explained; “The matter was reported to the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC), Abuja. The Commission reaffirmed that Section 173 (3) of the Constitution of this great country needed to be obeyed by UBA Plc.
“The pensioners, ranging from retired Executive Directors to Messengers numbering more than 3,000, have been so dehumanised with the least paid getting N1,763.27 per month as pension after many years of faithful services to the bank.
“It’s conspicuously clear that the management is insensitive to the plight of its retired workers and their deplorable conditions, but we have resolved that we shall no longer continue to suffer in silence.”
Some of the pensioners who spoke to journalists at the sideline of press conference expressed sadness and displeasure, saying the bank dehumanises them horribly.
Alhaji Adetimehin, a 74-year old pensioner said; “For clarity, we quote Section 173 (3) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria thus; “Pensions shall be reviewed every five years or together with any Federal Civil Service salary reviews, whichever is earlier”. But from 1995 to 2005, pensions in UBA Plc were never reviewed.”
Mr Sopitan, 82-year old pensioner of UBA Plc also said; “Just as previously done by the old management of the UBA Plc from 1995 to 2005, even from the post-merger year in 2005 to date, there has been no review of pensions in UBA Plc as provided for in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The management of the bank had always argued that pensions in UBA Plc are not subject to reviews. The pensioners continued to display maturity and patience in persuading the Bank to do the right thing but to no avail. We are calling on everyone to come help us.”
When contacted, the UBA spokesperson, Ramon Nasir, stated that he would get back with the official reaction later on Tuesday.
“Good afternoon. Kindly avail some time to get the response of our Bank’s responsible officer on the subject. I will respond before close of business tomorrow. Thank you.”