Reps invite CBN governor over alleged unpaid pensions

By Gift ChapiOdekina, Abuja The House of Representatives on Tuesday resolved to invite the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Olayemi Cardoso, to explain alleged breaches of pension agreements and the non-payment of benefits to retired employees of the apex bank. The resolution followed the adoption of a motion on Tuesday titled, “Need to investigate the Central Bank of Nigeria for alleged breach of approved pension agreements, non-implementation of harmonisation policy and exclusion of pensioners from general pension increases. ” The motion was moved by the member representing Igabi Federal Constituency of Kaduna State, Hussaini Jallo. Presenting the motion, Jallo expressed concern over alleged non-compliance with contractual agreements governing the pension entitlements and welfare of retired CBN employees.

He said the alleged non-implementation and faulty execution of the harmonisation policy might have resulted in disparities in pension benefits and the accumulation of unpaid arrears, leaving affected pensioners in financial hardship. “The House is concerned that the alleged non-implementation and faulty execution of the harmonisation policy may have led to disparities in pension benefits and the accumulation of unpaid arrears, ultimately denying rightful entitlements and imposing severe financial hardship on affected pensioners who depend on these funds for their livelihood,” he said. The lawmaker also raised concerns over allegations that some pensioners had been excluded from general pension increases on the grounds of additional or extra-statutory demands that might not be consistent with applicable laws, binding agreements or approved pension policies. Jallo further disclosed that the number of CBN pensioners had declined from 5,104 in 2011 to…