Pensioners in Kogi State have expressed dissatisfaction with the recent announcement by the Kogi State Pension Commission directing them to undergo a screening process in January. The Director-General of the commission, Mrs. Maryam Abedoh, had instructed pensioners under the Local Government and State Government payroll to present themselves for verification at the nearest bank between January 19th and January 25th, 2024.
However, some pensioners have raised concerns about the timing of the exercise, arguing that it would pose challenges, especially in areas where banks are not readily accessible. One pensioner, who spoke anonymously, emphasized the difficulty in participating in the screening during the current economic challenges, urging Governor Yahaya Bello to reconsider the timing of the exercise.
Clement Ohida, the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP) Kogi State Chapter, acknowledged the importance of the verification exercise but expressed discontent with its timing. Ohida highlighted that many pensioners may have depleted their finances during the recent holiday season, making it challenging for them to travel for the verification process. The NUP has appealed to the government to pay January pensions before initiating the verification and requested a two-week grace period for the process.
The concerns raised by the pensioners emphasize the need for thoughtful consideration of the practical challenges faced by retirees, particularly in terms of accessibility to banks and the financial constraints they may be experiencing.
Source: Daily Post
