From Edet Udoh, Lagos
The Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD) has paid one month pension arrears to the tune of N842,808,921.52 to 11,331 pensioners of the defunct NITEL/Mtel in December, 2019.
The payment was made to the pensioners as part of the Federal Government’s commitment to reduce inherited pension liabilities.
The Executive Secretary, Dr Chioma Ejikeme has assured pensioners that their welfare remains a priority to President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.
Meanwhile, the Executive Secretary, in her resolve to ensure prompt payment of pension to pensioners has continued to hold meetings with various associations and unions in order to resolve all outstanding pension matters.
This led to her meetings with Executive Members of the Federal Parastatals & Private Sector Pensioners Association of Nigeria, National Union of Air Transport Employees, Association of Nigeria Re-Insurance Pensioners of Nigeria and New Nigeria Newspapers.
The meetings, according to her, was focused on pensioners’ welfare including the just concluded Parastatals Pensioners Verification Exercise, Mobile verification for old and infirm pensioners, Verification of pensioners in the Diaspora, payment of outstanding pension arrears and payments to NoK.
The unions, she said also used the meeting to commend the Directorate for its continued empathetic and efficient way pensioners are treated. They also congratulated the Executive Secretary on her appointment and pledged their continuous support of PTAD.
The Executive Secretary had assured the unions of President Muhammadu Buhari’s commitment to pensioner’s welfare which remains a priority for his administration. In line with this, she informed them funds have been released for the payment of the balance of the 33% pension arrears owed some Agencies of the Parastal Pensioners department and payments to the beneficiaries will commence soon.
She further reassured the pension unions that she will continue to build the super structure on the solid foundation laid by the former E.S and now Minister of State for Environment, Sharon Ikeazor.
