The Head of Service (HoS) of Rivers State, Dr. Inyingi S. I. Brown, has stated the state government’s commitment to improving the welfare of retirees, assuring that pensioners remain a priority despite prevailing challenges.
She gave the assurance while addressing delegates at the 2026 election meeting of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP) in the state, which she formally declared open.
Speaking at the event, she emphasized that retirement should not be a period of hardship, but one marked by comfort, dignity, and fulfillment.
She noted that the administration of the State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, remains sensitive to issues affecting pensioners, including gratuities, healthcare, and general welfare.
“You are not former workers; you are the foundational pillars of our dear state,” she told the gathering, acknowledging the enduring contributions of retirees to the development of Rivers State.
The Head of Service assured pensioners that the government is strengthening institutional frameworks to ensure more timely and predictable payment of pensions.
She added that continuous engagement with the union would be sustained to address emerging concerns, while efforts are ongoing to resolve bottlenecks in pension enrollment processes.
Dr. Brown also expressed empathy for retirees affected by the transitional phase following the expiration of the state’s pension law in June 2025, noting that the government is working to ease the difficulties faced by those yet to be captured under the scheme.
She commended the leadership of the NUP, Rivers State Council, for its resilience and constructive engagement with government, describing the experience of retirees as a valuable asset that should be harnessed for mentorship and community leadership.
Calling for unity among members, she urged pensioners to strengthen their union and deepen collaboration with government for mutual benefit.
Highlighting recent achievements, Dr. Brown listed the commencement of payment of the ₦32,000 consequential adjustment to retirees, the direct payment of gratuities into beneficiaries’ bank accounts, and the approval of free medical services for senior retirees through the Rivers State Contributory Health Protection Programme (RIVCHPP).
She further disclosed that the state government has provided an office for the Pensions Transitional Arrangements Directorate (PTAD), enabling pensioners to process their federal pension documentation within the state without the need to travel elsewhere.
Earlier in his welcome address, the outgoing Chairman of the NUP, Rivers State Council, Comrade Collins Iheanyi Nwankwo, expressed appreciation to the Head of Service for attending the meeting and thanked delegates for their participation.
Reflecting on his tenure, Nwankwo highlighted key achievements of the outgoing council, including the construction and commissioning of an ultra-modern secretariat funded through members’ check-off dues.
He also cited the regular payment of pensions, gratuities, and other entitlements as notable milestones.
He further noted the commencement of the ₦32,000 consequential adjustment for retirees and the payment of a ₦100,000 Christmas bonus to pensioners, describing them as significant strides in improving retirees’ welfare.
The union, however, appealed to the state government for additional support, including the donation of an 18-seater bus to ease logistics and mobility, as well as an increase in the allocation for gratuity payments to further cushion the effects of economic realities on retirees.
Nwankwo added that the Council supported pensioners in the “I Am Alive” verification programme of PTAD, facilitating access to their federal pension entitlements.
He also commended the state government for approving free healthcare services for pensioners.
In his closing remarks, the outgoing chairman urged members to vote responsibly in the delegate election, stressing that the choices made would shape the future of the union and the well-being of its members.
- Godam is the Information and Public Relations Officer, Office of the HoS.