The Tinubu Media Volunteers (TMV) have applauded the federal government’s approval of the implementation of a health insurance scheme for Nigerian retirees under the Defined Benefit Scheme (DBS).
The media group said in a statement signed by its Chairman, Chukwudi Enekwechi, and Secretary, Segun Ogedengbe, that this move was a follow-up to a 2024 approval of a 28 per cent increase in pension for Nigerian pensioners, which is already being implemented by the Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate. (PTAD)
”It is also noted that 35 months of arrears of the NITEL/MTEL have been paid to the retirees of the institutions. Similarly, the agency has settled the pensions of 155,000 pensioners despite their administrative challenges.
”From our point of view, the mere fact that the federal government is meeting its pension obligations to the retirees and still went ahead to approve a comprehensive health insurance for them is a clear indication that it has the interest of Nigerian retirees at heart.
”Furthermore, with the health insurance scheme in place, the era of retirees living in penury and ill-health after retirement is now over.
”The implication is that the Tinubu administration is preparing a dignified life for the retirees, and this is a departure from the past when they were abandoned to their fate after retirement.
”We believe that the federal government’s approval of a health insurance scheme for retirees and other measures already put in place for their benefit is the right step in the right direction and will serve as an incentive for workers to give their best to society while still in service, knowing that life after retirement is guaranteed,” the statement added.
The group also commended the President Tinubu administration for rejigging the pension administration through proactive and humane measures that will guarantee pensioners a dignified life in retirement.
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