Waidi Oloyede, the Ogun State Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP), has recently called upon Governor Dapo Abiodun to initiate a health relief program under the National Health Insurance Scheme. Oloyede’s proposal advocates for a 50% discount for retirees who subscribe to the scheme, a plea grounded in the hardships faced by senior citizens struggling with various age-related health issues. This initiative aims to alleviate some of the financial burdens retirees encounter while managing their health in a challenging economic climate, thus enhancing their quality of life. By prioritizing the health needs of these individuals, it is hoped that the government will reflect compassion and responsibility towards an often-overlooked segment of the population.
Oloyede’s appeal is not limited to health insurance. He has also voiced concerns over the stagnation of pension adjustments in Ogun State, contrasting the benefits enjoyed by active workers. Since 2020, the mainstream workforce has received not just wage increases but additional peculiarity allowances, while pensioners continue to receive fixed amounts that do not reflect the realities imposed by current economic challenges, particularly following the removal of fuel subsidies. This disparity in income has brought significant concern among retirees, who find their “take home” insufficient to cover their basic needs and expenses, including medications necessary for managing chronic health conditions.
During the annual Pensioners’ Day celebration held in Abeokuta, Oloyede articulated these issues and implored for the long-overdue adjustments to pensions, emphasizing the pressing need for a responsive policy that addresses the financial vulnerabilities of the elderly. The current pension amounts are described as grossly inadequate, leaving retirees with little to no room to afford even basic health care necessities. Highlighting the enormity of the issue, Oloyede reiterated that most retirees are grappling with health challenges, underscoring the importance of integrating them into the National Health Insurance Scheme with manageable costs to ensure they receive the medical attention they require.
In addition to demands for health relief, Oloyede urged for the inclusion of pensioners in minimum wage negotiations, positing that their presence would contribute valuable insights in discussions that impact their economic well-being. By involving retirees in such decisions, it is anticipated that their voices will be heard and considered, leading to improved financial support structures that would reflect their lived experiences. This request underscores a broader call for inclusivity in the policy-making process, recognizing that pensioners have unique needs and perspectives that should not be overlooked.
Amidst these requests, Oloyede did take the opportunity to commend Governor Abiodun for his administration’s efforts to address the backlog of unpaid pensions. The governor has made strides to release substantial amounts—starting from ₦500 million quarterly, increasing to ₦2 billion, and culminating in a recent release of ₦5.3 billion. Such measures have been seen as pivotal in alleviating some of the financial distress faced by pensioners and indicate a commitment from the current administration to address long-standing issues within the pension system, which has historically suffered from neglect.
In conclusion, Waidi Oloyede’s appeals to Governor Abiodun encapsulate the critical challenges facing pensioners in Ogun State today. His calls for health relief through discounted health insurance, timely adjustments to pensions, and inclusion in wage discussions reflect a pressing need for systemic change far beyond mere financial support. While recognizing the positive steps taken by the governor in addressing unpaid pensions, the overarching message is one of necessitated action—an urgent call for both policy recognition and practical implementation that ensures the welfare of senior citizens is prioritized, thereby fostering a more equitable and supportive environment for all retirees.
