The Ogun State chapter of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP) has commended Governor Dapo Abiodun for the approval and release of N6.7 billion to offset the backlog of gratuities owed to retirees in the state.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the union’s chairman, Waheed Oloyede, described the move as a “demonstration of commitment to the welfare of senior citizens whose entitlements have been denied over the years.”

According to the statement, N3.2 billion was allocated for retired state government workers, while N3.5 billion was earmarked for local government retirees.

“We are deeply grateful for the milk of godly kindness and generosity in you towards us, the elderly,” Oloyede said. “No doubt, the payment of the gratuities will bring great relief and succour to many individuals and families.”

The union also lauded the governor for consistently paying monthly pensions, saying it had enabled retirees to access healthcare and other welfare benefits.

“We also express immense appreciation for the various palliatives and subsidies directed towards us pensioners in the recent past to cushion the effects of the present harsh economic realities,” the union stated.

However, the pensioners appealed for the implementation of the consequential pension adjustment in line with the 2019 Federal Government circular.

Oloyede recalled that Governor Abiodun had set up a committee in July 2022 to address the issue but noted that “to date, nothing has been done.”

He stressed that implementing the adjustments would further assist retirees in coping with current economic challenges.