Customs Pensioners Groan Over Unpaid Pension

Posted by African Examiner Latest Headlines, News Thursday, March 12th, 2015

From Ignatius Okpara, Enugu – Ex-workers of the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) who retired in July 2014 have called on President Goodluck Jonathan, to prevail on the National Pension Commission (PENCOM) to as a matter of urgency pay them their retirement benefits.

The retirees also urged PENCOM to borrow a leaf from the Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate, (PTAD) that pays retirees under it promptly.

The retired workers, who spoke to AFRICAN EXAMINER correspondent under condition of anonymity for fear of victimization, said it was unfortunate that the PENCOM was yet to pay them their retirement benefits eight months after they successfully served their fatherland.

They expressed dismay over PENCOM’s refusal to keep its earlier promise to pay them in three months’ time, alleging that the promise was made by the commission before their retirement.

The retirees, who spoke amid tears, regretted that the development had brought untold hardship to them and their family.

“We can no longer take care of our family responsibilities, including taking care of their medical bills.

“We retired in July 2014 which is eight months now, but nothing has been heard from PECOM.

“Prior to our retirement, PENCOM told us that we shall get our money in three months’ time, the old method of payment is better, please pay us our retirement benefits, we are suffering” their Spokesperson lamented.

“We are calling on the Federal Government to intervene and direct the National Pension Commission to pay us our retirement benefits with immediate effect, because we are suffering”, added the retired workers mouthpiece.

The retirees further stated that most of them could no longer pay their house rent over due to the alarming situation, adding that they might be ejected from their apartments if the Federal Government failed to intervene immediately.