News
Nigerian Government to liquidate outstanding pension arrears – Minister
The Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Mrs Zainab Ahmed, has said that the Federal Government was committed to ensuring the full liquidation of outstanding arrears due to the ex-worker of the remaining three defunct agencies.
Ahmed said this at the official finalisation payment of inherited unfunded liabilities to pensioners of defunct agencies, organised by the Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD) in Abuja on Tuesday.
“ I am happy to oversee the completion of the payment of the outstanding liabilities due to ex-workers of two defunct agencies namely- Nigeria Reinsurance Corporation and New Nigeria Newspapers Limited.
“Ex-workers of another three defunct agencies will receive a significant portion of the outstanding liabilities due to them and they are NICO Insurance Corporation, Delta Steel Company Limited and NITEL/MTEL,” Ahmed said.
She said that the funds that was used to offset the liabilities were recovered pension assets held by insurance underwriters and other local and international investment agencies.
“Some measures of success have been made in the recovery effort and the amount repatriated from Crown Agents of the United Kingdom has been the most substantial to date.”
The minister commended the directorate for the achievements and urged them to remain focused in their recovery efforts.
She also commended President Muhammadu Buhari for all his efforts and his constant support to the senior citizen.
The Executive Secretary of PTAD, Dr Chioma Ejikeme, said that 126 inherited months has completely liquidated for Nigeria Reinsurance Corporation and 219 inherited months completely liquidated for New Nigeria Newspapers Limited.
“ We will also settle significant portion of the outstanding liabilities due to ex-worker of another three defunct agencies, NICO Insurance Corporation, Delta Steel Company Limited and NITEL/MTEL.
“ PTAD has paid off the outstanding balance of the pension entitlements due to ex-workers of Savannah Sugar Company Limited, Nigeria Aviation Handling Company, Aluminium Smelter Company of Nigeria, Federal Housing Authority, Nigeria National Shipping Line and Assurance Bank,” she said.
Ejikeme reassured the three defunct agencies that the directorate was fully committed to the full liquidation of the outstanding arrears due to them after these payments.
She commended the president, minister of finance, committees of Senate and House of Representatives on pension and oversight committees for their constant support.
Chairman Senate Committee on Establishment and Public Service, Sen. Ibrahim Shekarau, urged the pensioners to relax as all benefits due to them would be settled.
The Chairman, House Representative Committee on Pension, Hon. Kabiru Rurum, promised to always support the directorate and urged them to continue with the good work.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that there was jubilation at the venue of the event, as many of the beneficiaries shouted for joy, confirming that they had received payment alerts.
President-General of Federal Parastatals and Private Sector Pensioners’ Association of Nigeria (FEPPPAN), Chief Temple Ubani, said they were happy to receive the payment.
“ We have been struggling for this payment for over three decades. I am very happy we have received it right in the hall.”
He commended the president and other stakeholders for their support. (NAN)
President Bola Tinubu, on Tuesday arrived in Katsina to receive the remains of the former President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away in London on Sunday at the age of 82.
Just hours before the burial of former President Muhammadu Buhari, heartfelt tributes have continued to pour in from beneficiaries of his many charitable deeds, with many describing him as a man who never turned his back on the needy.
Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday, Aminu Daura, a respected community elder, recalled how Buhari consistently provided foodstuffs during Ramadan for families, friends, widows, and orphans in his hometown.
“He never made noise about it, but many homes had food on their tables during fasting period because of him,” Daura said.
Abdullahi Sani, a physically-challenged man who received a tricycle from the Buhari Foundation in 2021, was overcome with emotion while speaking to NAN.
“I can move around and feed my family today because of Baba Buhari. I pray to Allah to reward him for giving hope to people like me,” he said, in tears.
Hajiya Fatima Yahaya, another resident, remembered Buhari’s acts of kindness during festive seasons.
“Even after he left office, his aides ensured that the usual support still reached us every year. He always remember his people,” she said, referring to his distribution of Sallah rams and food items to indigent families during Eid celebrations.
Other residents of Daura also shared memories of how the late former president quietly paid school fees and medical bills for struggling families, actions rarely publicized.
“Some of us benefited from his silent interventions. He was a true father and a great figure in the society,” said Ali Saidu.
On Monday night, Imams across various mosques in Daura held special Qur’anic recitations, praying for the forgiveness of Buhari’s sins and his eternal peace.
The Chief Imam of Daura Central Mosque, Sheikh Musa Kofar Barau, described Buhari as a humble leader whose legacy of service and compassion would remain alive in the hearts of the people.
Buhari is scheduled to be buried later on Tuesday in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State, in line with Islamic rites. The community is bracing to welcome thousands of mourners from across Nigeria and beyond.
His Majesty King Mohammed VI of Morocco has extended heartfelt condolences to President Bola Tinubu, the family of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, and the entire Nigerian people following Buhari’s death.
In a message of sympathy, the Moroccan monarch described the passing of the former Nigerian leader as a “sad occurrence,” expressing deep sorrow over the loss.
King Mohammed VI hailed Buhari as “an illustrious leader who worked untiringly to serve his country’s best interests and lead his people toward further progress and prosperity.”
He added: “Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the bereaved. I share your grief and want you to know how much I appreciated the working sessions I had with the deceased.”
Reflecting on their bilateral engagements, the king noted that his collaboration with Buhari led to the launch of promising development projects, “ushering a new era grounded in friendship and close cooperation between our two sister nations.”
Tinubu arrives Katsina to receive Buhari’s body for burial
“He Never Turned His Back on the Needy” — Tributes Pour In Ahead of Buhari’s Burial
King Mohammed VI Mourns Buhari, Praises Legacy of Nigeria’s Former Leader
Facebook, Instagram Temporarily Allow Posts on Ukraine War Calling for Violence Against Invading Russians or Putin’s Death
Nigeria, Other West African Countries Facing Worst Food Crisis in 10 Years, Aid Groups Say
New York Consulate installs machines for 10-year passport
-
Headlines3 years ago
Facebook, Instagram Temporarily Allow Posts on Ukraine War Calling for Violence Against Invading Russians or Putin’s Death
-
Headlines3 years ago
Nigeria, Other West African Countries Facing Worst Food Crisis in 10 Years, Aid Groups Say
-
Foreign3 years ago
New York Consulate installs machines for 10-year passport
-
News10 months agoZero Trust Architecture in a Remote World: Securing the New Normal
-
Entertainment3 years agoPhyna emerges winner of Big Brother Naija Season 7
-
Headlines1 year agoNigeria Customs modernisation project to check extortion of traders
-
Economy1 year agoWe generated N30.2 bn revenue in three months – Kano NCS Comptroller
-
Headlines1 year agoPhilippines’ Vice President Sara Duterte resigns from Cabinet
