Before you sign the New Minimum Wage, consider them too By Lai Gidado

Before you sign the New Minimum Wage, consider them too

At times, I wonder if all animals are equal in Nigeria. The equity I am talking about isn’t about wealth or political power, but equity in the real sense of man as man in the hands of our Creator.

I see a situation where some groups of people are treated as human beings and others are treated as no longer valuable or valueless.

The new minimum wage is going to create a big problem for the senior citizens in Nigeria if the following are not well considered before signing the new minimum wage bill:

1. Increase in Pension: The old law, even though not fully followed, allows for an increase in pension for each pensioner every five years.

I wish to call the attention of the government and the National Assembly to this, that pensioners under PTAD should also be considered for a reasonable increase in their pensions according to the new minimum wage.

2. Regularization of Monthly Pension:

Since 2021, all PTAD pensioners have been waiting for the regularization of their monthly pensions to meet up with the ₦30,000 minimum wage, but to no effect.

The government should do something about this abnormal situation, especially now that a new minimum wage law is about to be passed in the National Assembly.

3. Consideration of Pensioners’ Plight:

The new minimum wage bill should take into consideration the plight of all pensioners:

A. Those under PTAD should have an upward review in accordance with their last salary grade while in office.

B. Pensioners under PENCOM should be given hope by being allowed to enjoy an increase in their pensions, especially those under annuity.

The government should make a mandatory law requiring PENCOM to always increase their pensions anytime salaries and wages are increased.

Note: This group of pensioners actually saved money with the PENCOM agents, and their money was used for business by these insurance companies. They should be allowed to enjoy part of what was made with their money.

4. Access to Healthcare:

All senior citizens should be considered for NIHS because most Nigerian pensioners die from  lack of money for medical treatment.

5. Recognition of Pensioners:

Pensioners should be seen as an integral part of society; the government should not see them as valueless individuals.

6. Cost of Living Adjustments:

The new minimum wage should include provisions for automatic adjustments based on inflation rates and changes in the cost of living to ensure that pensioners and other low-income individuals are not left behind.

7. Tax Relief for Pensioners:

The government should consider providing tax relief for pensioners, as many of them live on fixed incomes and any additional financial burden can significantly impact their quality of life.

8. Support Services for Pensioners:

Establish support services such as counseling, financial advice, and social activities to help pensioners manage their finances better and stay engaged in the community.

9. Housing Support:

Implement housing support programs specifically designed for senior citizens, ensuring that they have access to affordable and comfortable living arrangements.

10. Public Transport Subsidies:

Provide subsidies for public transportation for pensioners, enabling them to travel more freely and remain active within their communities.

The Organized Labour
It is very pitiful that whenever the labour union are negotiating for the welfare of their members, pensioners conditions are never discussed, unfortunately pensioners union are toothless dog that can not bite.

Each time I write about the plight of pensioners, I always try not to talk about the labour union. This time around, I want to remind the NLC and the TUC that all rags were once party dresses.

They must know that very soon they will be referred to as pensioners, and whatever role they play for senior citizens today will be waiting for them.

Mr. President, I plead with you that before you pass the bill to the National Assembly, consider the pensioners as very important citizens too.

Mr. Senate President, during your deliberation, please consider the pensioner’s life as important.

God bless Nigeria.