The Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP) has threatened to drag the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment to court over what it describes as the “illegal” registration of a new retirees’ association, warning that the move could shatter decades of unity within its ranks.
Speaking during an emergency National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Abuja on Monday, NUP National President, Godwin Abumisi, said the union would not hesitate to seek legal redress if the ministry fails to reverse its decision.
Abumisi, in a strongly worded address, accused the ministry of deliberately attempting to fracture the pensioners’ structure through the registration of the “Association of Retirees of State Government,” which he described as a parallel body.
“It is already a public knowledge that the ministry recently registered a body called ‘Association of Retirees of State Government’, which is a calculated action by the ministry to destabilise the unity, solidarity, power of collectivity and the peace that has been reigning within the rank of the union for decades,” he said.
He argued that the move violates the Trade Unions Act, insisting the union would resist any attempt to undermine its legal standing.
“It is incontrovertible that the action of the ministry contravenes the provisions of the Trade Unions Act… This we should all rise up to prevent and resist with vigour,” Abumisi declared.
The NUP president described the NEC meeting as a “rescue mission” convened in response to what he called “ugly developments” threatening both the internal cohesion and external stability of the union.
“Our meeting of today is a call for a rescue mission in preventing our union from being plunged into avoidable internal and external crises, especially by the untoward activities of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment,” he stated.
Despite the sharp criticism, Abumisi said the union remains open to engagement with the Federal Government, noting its long-standing cooperative relationship with successive administrations.
He acknowledged recent pension interventions, including the release of N58 billion for Defined Benefit Scheme pensioners and N758 billion for contributory pension increases, which he said have provided relief to members.
“NUP, from its inception, has been peaceful, peace-loving and cooperative with all successive Federal Governments of Nigeria… and we remain grateful for the ongoing reforms in the nation’s pension industry,” he said.
However, he warned that the latest development could undermine the union’s unity and relevance, urging members to stay focused and avoid divisive tendencies.
“I want to appeal for objective contributions from members, devoid of any tribal, political or sectional sentiments that may end up threatening our unity, our image and our continued relevance,” he cautioned.
Reaffirming his commitment to strengthening the union, Abumisi added: “My mission remains to leave NUP better than I met it.”
