The Plateau State Chapter of the Nigerian Union of Pensioners (NUP) has applauded Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang for his steadfast commitment to justice, dignity, and the overall welfare of retired workers in the state.
During a courtesy visit to the Government House in Jos, the Chairman of the union, Mr. Ben Bello, conveyed deep appreciation for the Governor’s bold reforms and firm dedication to the rights of senior citizens who gave their productive years to the service of Plateau State.
“From the onset of his administration, Governor Mutfwang made pensioners a central priority,” Mr. Bello remarked. “He raised the minimum monthly pension for state retirees from a meagre ₦5,000 to ₦20,000, ensuring no retiree receives below this dignified threshold.”
The union lauded the Governor not only for the consistent and timely payment of pensions but also for his significant financial interventions aimed at clearing long-standing backlogs. The monthly release for gratuities, death benefits, and arrears, some of which date back to 1986, has been increased from ₦300 million to ₦400 million.
While celebrating these milestones, Mr. Bello expressed concern over the plight of local government pensioners, who still receive as little as ₦3,000 to ₦5,000 monthly. He passionately appealed to the Governor to harmonize pensions across both tiers and address these enduring disparities.
The union also praised the Governor for facilitating the enrolment of retirees into the Plateau State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency (PLASCHEMA), saying this initiative has granted many pensioners access to quality healthcare, often for the first time in years, at no personal cost.
“Our pensioners are no longer living as abandoned souls,” Mr. Bello said. “They now wear smiles, live with dignity, and speak with renewed pride, all thanks to the Governor’s compassionate leadership.”
In recognition of these laudable efforts, Governor Mutfwang has been selected as one of only six governors nationwide to receive a national award from the Nigerian Union of Pensioners during a forthcoming ceremony in Kano.
During the visit, the union presented a set of key appeals, including inclusion in future minimum wage adjustments, harmonization of pension rates in line with military service standards, increased funding for gratuities, and logistical support for reaching pensioners in rural areas, particularly those affected by recent violent attacks.
In his response, Governor Mutfwang expressed gratitude for the pensioners’ years of selfless service and reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to transparency, accountability, and compassion.
“Any society that does not honour its elders has lost its values,” the Governor stated. “Grey hair is a badge of honour, and those who once wore the uniform of service must never be forgotten.”
He acknowledged the massive backlog of entitlements inherited from previous administrations, along with systemic corruption that once plagued the pension system. To address this, he emphasized that payments are now processed strictly by year of retirement, eliminating favoritism and ensuring fairness.
The Governor praised the leadership of the state pension board for their integrity and announced plans to digitize and broaden the screening of retirees. “We shouldn’t wait until they queue for attention,” he said. “Let’s screen all awaiting pensioners and build a comprehensive database to enable swift action as resources become available.”
On the issue of security, Governor Mutfwang condemned the recent attacks in Bokkos and other parts of the state, describing them as deliberate attempts to wipe out entire communities. He assured the pensioners of his administration’s unrelenting efforts to restore peace, justice, and safety across Plateau.
The meeting concluded with heartfelt prayers from the pensioners for the Governor’s continued strength, wisdom, and success in steering Plateau State toward a future where all, especially the elderly, live with dignity, security, and renewed hope.
Gyang Bere
Director of Press & Public Affairs
To the Executive Governor of Plateau State
April 8, 2025.
