NUP seeks Tinubu’s intervention over ‘Illegal’ registration of retirees’ body
The Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP) has called on President Bola Tinubu to urgently intervene over what it described as the illegal registration of a parallel retirees’ body—the Association of
The Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP) has called on President Bola Tinubu to urgently intervene over what it described as the illegal registration of a parallel retirees’ body—the Association of Retirees of State Government—by the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment.
The union described the registration of the new body as unlawful and capable of destabilizing its long-standing unity.
It warned that the move threatens the unity and stability of pensioners nationwide.
The National President of the union, Comrade Godwin Abumisi, made the appeal during an emergency meeting of the National Executive Council (NEC) in Abuja, convened to address what he termed disturbing developments within the organization.
Abumisi said the NEC meeting was called out of “deep concern and worry” over unfolding events, noting that urgent action was necessary to safeguard the union from a crisis.
According to him, the situation amounts to a “rescue mission” to prevent the NUP from being plunged into avoidable internal and external conflicts, which he blamed on the activities of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment.
He argued that the move was a calculated attempt to weaken the solidarity, collective strength, and peaceful coexistence that pensioners have maintained over the years.
Abumisi maintained that the registration contravenes the provisions of the Trade Unions Act, Cap T.14, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, insisting that such action must be resisted.
He explained that the alleged illegality informed the union’s decision to seek President Tinubu's intervention, urging him to act swiftly to protect the legal framework governing trade unions and preserve the integrity of the NUP.
While raising concerns over the development, the NUP president reaffirmed the union’s cordial relationship with successive governments, particularly the current administration.
He commended the Tinubu-led government for ongoing reforms in the pension sector, including the approval of N58 billion for Defined Benefit Scheme pensioners and N758 billion for increases under the contributory pension scheme.
According to him, the interventions have brought much-needed relief to pensioners and helped ease the hardship members faced recently.
Despite the commendation, Abumisi warned that the gains recorded could be undermined if actions capable of violating labour laws and dividing the union are not urgently addressed.
He also urged members to remain united and avoid divisive tendencies, calling for contributions free from tribal, political, or sectional sentiments that could threaten the union’s cohesion and public image.
Reaffirming his commitment to the organization, Abumisi stated that his goal remains to leave the NUP stronger and better than he found it.
