A retiring senior pension officer in the Federal Civil Service, Mrs. Maria Nkereuwem Etukudoh, Saturday called on the Federal Government to place more emphasis on retirement benefits of retired workers through humane pension system.
Speaking during a colourful retirement reception held in her honour in Abuja after 25 years in the Federal Civil Service, Mrs. Etukudoh described the experiences of many pensioners as heartbreaking, saying the country must urgently reform its pension administration, improve workers’ welfare and provide a living wage capable of sustaining public servants before and after retirement.
She appealed to government at all levels to place greater emphasis on the welfare of retired workers, insisting that prompt payment of pensions and retirement benefits would restore confidence in the public service and motivate younger Nigerians to embrace careers in government.
Years of working directly with pensioners according to her , exposed her to painful realities that continue to haunt her.
“Sometimes you see them crying. Some of them even want to sleep in the office. In some offices, they actually sleep outside because they are waiting for their entitlements. It saddens my heart that after giving all their youthful years, strength, resources and time to the nation, they are not adequately compensated”, she said.
Despite the challenges, the retiring pension administrator acknowledged ongoing efforts by the Federal Government to improve pension administration.
“There is hope. In this present administration, efforts have been made to pay some outstanding pensioners. There are also plans to improve contribution rates and strengthen exit benefit schemes.
“Government is trying, and we pray they will do even more because when workers are properly compensated, they will give their very best to public service,” she said.
Mrs. Etukudoh attributed many of the difficulties confronting pension administration to poor working conditions, inadequate office facilities and insufficient tools for efficient service delivery.
“In many offices we don’t have laptops, computers, printers, chairs or even decent office facilities. Sometimes the environment does not dignify workers. When people work under such conditions, service delivery suffers”, she lamented.
She therefore, urged those who would succeed her in managing pension matters to treat retirees with compassion and dignity.
“When pensioners come to you, don’t push them aside. When they cry, wipe away their tears. If you can assist them with transport fare, do so. Support them emotionally, physically and spiritually. Pray with them and for them because one day every worker will become a pensioner”, she added .