The Taraba State Council of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP) has appealed to its members to remain calm and patient over the non-implementation of the ₦30,000 minimum wage for pensioners, which the state government had promised to effect by the end of October 2025.
The State Chairman of the Union, Comrade El-Nathan Bila Auta, made the appeal in Jalingo, the state capital, while addressing journalists on the current state of pension matters in Taraba.
According to him, although the expected implementation has not yet taken place, there is significant progress, as all relevant stakeholders — including the Office of the Head of Service and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) — have completed their parts of the process. What remains, he said, is the formal approval of Governor Dr. Agbu Kefas, after which the Ministry of Finance is expected to commence full implementation.
“We understand the concerns of our members, but we must remain prayerful, patient, and supportive of the ongoing process,” Auta said. “Our officials are doing everything possible to ensure that all entitlements due to pensioners are realized.”
The NUP chairman also appealed to Governor Agbu Kefas to show compassion to the plight of pensioners, many of whom, he said, are battling poverty, poor health, and other socio-economic hardships due to unpaid benefits.
“Pensioners are among the most vulnerable groups in society,” he lamented. “Many are sick and unable to afford even one decent meal a day. Some have been evicted from their homes, while others can no longer pay school fees for their children. The situation is heartbreaking.”
Comrade Auta emphasized that addressing pension arrears and implementing the new wage structure would not only bring relief to pensioners but also stand as a major political achievement for Governor Kefas.
“If Governor Kefas clears pension arrears and implements the ₦30,000 and ₦70,000 minimum wage for pensioners, he will go down in history as the first Taraba governor to take decisive action for the welfare of retirees in the state’s 34-year history,” he said.
He added that the gesture would strengthen the governor’s political standing ahead of the 2027 elections, noting that over 40,000 pensioners and their families in Taraba represent a significant voting bloc.
“We see ourselves as partners in progress with the state government,” he said. “We therefore urge the governor to complete his social contract with pensioners by ensuring the immediate payment of pensions, gratuities, and full implementation of the new minimum wage.”
