The Nigerian government has released 41.5 billion Naira (133 million dollars) to clear three years inherited arrears of pension benefits, Africa Feeds has gathered.
Nigeria’s Finance Minister, Kemi Adeosun said another 12.5 billion Naira (39 million dollars) has been released to cover outstanding pensions payment for January, February and March 2017 bringing the total payment to 54 billion Naira (176 million dollars).
According to the West African nation’s Finance Minister despite conflicting demands for available cash, President Muhammadu Buhari expressed concern about the plight of workers and pensioners.
Kemi Adeosun said the payments will bring relief to thousands of elders who have served, and deserve to be paid their entitlements promptly and fully.
“With these payments I’m pleased to say that we have now cleared the Contributory Pension Scheme arrears that the Buhari Government inherited.” she said.
Kemi Adeosun further said that “to avoid fresh accumulation of arrears, we will from now on ensure that monthly allocations to National Pension Commission (PENCOM) are regularly made alongside monthly salaries to Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).”
Source: Africafeeds.com / Fred Dzakpata
