The nation
Pensioners laud Buhari over payment of pension arrears

Pensioners, under the aegis of Nigeria Union of Pensioners have written a letter of appreciation and commendation to President Muhammadu Buhari, for payment of a major part of their backlog entitlements.
In the letter signed by Elder Actor Zal, General Secretary of the association, which was made available to newsmen in Abuja on Tuesday, the pensioners described Buhari as a leader “who listens to the yearnings and aspirations” of his subjects.
They noted that this was evidenced by “the deliberate efforts being put in place by your government to put smiles on the faces of our members.”
The text of the letter reads in part: “The leadership and entire members of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners wishes to express her profound appreciation to President Muhammadu Buhari, for the release of enabling circular for the payment of the consequential adjustment of pension and the immediate release of funds for the payment of the accrued two years arrears.
“In spite of the economic odds, the moment the circular was released, the President through the Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD) commenced payment to pensioners nationwide by the initial release of 12 months in June, and another payment of six months in July, leaving the balance of six months pending.
”We do sincerely hope that the balance will be cleared in due course.
“The Union notes with great nostalgia the deliberate efforts being put in place by your government to put smiles on the faces of our members nationwide and we are appreciatively indebted to your government.
“This singular action of yours goes to attest to the fact that you are, indeed, a listening President who listens to the yearnings and aspirations of your subjects.
“We cannot thank you enough.”
On April 30, President Buhari approved the payment of the consequential adjustment to pensioners under the Defined Benefit Scheme (DBS) in line with the minimum wage approved in 2019.
Chioma Ejikeme, the Executive Secretary, Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD), disclosed this at a news conference in Abuja.
She said that with the presidential approval, PTAD had been empowered to start the upward adjustment of all pensioners’ benefits according to the approved template.
Ejikeme said the adjustment of the new pension payment would start from May 2021 adding that the payment of the arrears would cover the period of the implementation of the minimum wage.
“The arrears from April 2019 will be paid along with the pensioners’ monthly benefit starting from May 2021 payroll.”
She said that on April 22, ”a statement was released to inform the public of the president’s sincerity to implement the consequential adjustment on the pension benefits through PTAD”.
On July 27, the National Pension will be disbursed today (Tuesday) for payment of the 2.5 per cent differential in the rate of employer pension contribution for Federal Civil Service retirees and employees.
It will be recalled that the minimum pension contribution for employers was increased from 7.5 per cent to 10 per cent in line with Section 4(1) of the Pension Reform Act, PRA 2014.
NAN
Headlines
Tinubu arrives Katsina to receive Buhari’s body for burial

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.
Headlines
King Mohammed VI Mourns Buhari, Praises Legacy of Nigeria’s Former Leader

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.”
Headlines
Nigeria Mourns as Buhari’s Remains Arrive Today for Burial in Daura

Vice-President Kashim Shettima has departed London for Nigeria, accompanying the remains of former President Muhammadu Buhari, who died on Sunday at a London clinic.
This was disclosed in a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja by Mr. Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice-President.
“I can only confirm that the Vice-President Kashim Shettima, as directed by President Bola Tinubu, has departed London for Nigeria in the company of some family members of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari,” Nkwocha stated.
“They are accompanying the remains of the late former President for burial in Daura, Katsina State later today. Other members of the Federal Government’s delegation, as sent by President Tinubu, have also departed for Nigeria,” he added.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Federal Government has declared Tuesday a public holiday in honour of the late President, who passed away at the age of 82.
The holiday forms part of a seven-day national mourning period earlier announced by President Tinubu to pay tribute to Buhari’s life, leadership, and legacy.
Buhari’s death was confirmed in a statement by his former Special Adviser, Garba Shehu, on Sunday evening.
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