By Emma Ombugadu

The Nigerian Union of Pensioners (NUP) has demanded the inclusion of retirees in the Federal Government’s N70,000 monthly transport allowance approved for public workers by President Bola Tinubu, warning that pensioners should not be left out of government relief measures amid rising living costs.

The National President of the NUP, Godwin Abumisi, made the demand on Wednesday while speaking with journalists, condemning the exclusion of retired workers from the proposed allowance.

The union urged the Federal Government to extend the benefit to eligible pensioners or introduce an equivalent support package to cushion the financial burden of transportation on retirees.

President Tinubu had approved a monthly transport allowance of N70,000 for public workers following a meeting with the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).

According to a statement by the NLC, the allowance is expected to commence in November.

Reacting to the announcement, the NUP expressed dissatisfaction with the exclusion of pensioners, describing the development as a reflection of what it considered the insensitivity of serving public officials to the plight of retired workers who contributed to national development during their years of service.

The union argued that pensioners also face the economic pressures affecting serving workers and should not be overlooked in government interventions designed to ease the cost of living.

In its demands, the NUP called for the immediate reconsideration of the policy to ensure that eligible retirees benefit from the transport allowance or receive comparable assistance.

“Immediate reconsideration of pensioners’ exclusion from the N70,000 monthly transport allowance, with the Federal Government extending the benefit to eligible retirees or introducing an equivalent support measure that addresses their transportation costs,” the union stated.

Beyond the transport allowance, the pensioners’ union also raised concerns over the alleged non-payment of the N25,000 monthly palliative previously promised by the Federal Government.

The NUP lamented that the relief, which was expected to provide financial support to pensioners, had remained unpaid since October 2023.

The union’s latest demand adds to calls for greater support for retired workers, many of whom depend on fixed pension payments to meet their daily needs amid rising transportation, food and other living expenses.

The NUP maintained that pensioners should be considered in government relief programmes, particularly those introduced to cushion the impact of economic hardship on workers and vulnerable groups.

Meanwhile, the NLC has declared October 27, 2026, as the date for a nationwide shutdown over rising fuel prices and its demand for a review of the minimum wage.

The planned action comes amid growing labour concerns over the cost of living and pressure on workers’ earnings.

The NUP’s demand for inclusion in the transport allowance has further highlighted concerns over whether government support measures for serving public workers should also extend to retired employees facing similar economic challenges.

The Federal Government’s response to the pensioners’ demand was not included in the statement provided.