A retired pension officer, Mrs Maria Etukudoh, has urged the Federal Government to improve the living wage of workers and strengthen the country’s pension system to ensure decent livelihoods during their working years and financial security after retirement.
Etukudoh made the call at a reception held to mark her retirement from the Federal Civil Service after 25 years of service. She said her experience as Head of the Pension Unit at the Federal Ministry of Finance exposed her to the difficulties faced by many retirees who struggle to receive their pensions and other retirement benefits.
Speaking at the event, Etukudoh said a humane pension system should go beyond the payment of retirement benefits to address the welfare, dignity and changing needs of pensioners.
“The experiences of many pensioners are heartbreaking. The country must urgently reform its pension administration, improve workers’ welfare and provide a living wage capable of sustaining public servants before and after retirement,” she said.
“There are many challenges because I am retiring as a pension officer. You see retirees who have worked all their lives for this country, and when it is time for them to receive their reward, in most cases they don’t get that reward.”
According to Etukudoh, her years of working directly with pensioners exposed her to painful realities that continue to concern her.
“Sometimes you see them crying. Some of them even want to sleep in the office. In some offices, they actually sleep outside because they are waiting for their entitlements,” she said.
She said it saddened her that some workers who had devoted their youthful years, strength, resources and time to serving the nation were not adequately compensated after retirement.
Etukudoh therefore appealed to governments at all levels to place greater emphasis on the welfare of retired workers.
She said prompt payment of pensions and retirement benefits would help restore confidence in the public service and motivate younger Nigerians to consider careers in government.
The retired pension officer also acknowledged ongoing efforts by the Federal Government to improve pension administration, expressing hope that more would be done.
“There is hope. In this present administration, efforts have been made to pay some outstanding pensioners. There are also plans to improve contribution rates and strengthen exit benefit schemes,” she said.
“The government is trying and we pray they will do even more because when workers are properly compensated, they will give their very best to public service.”
Her husband, Prof. Nkereuwem Etukudoh, Provost of the Federal College of Medical Laboratory Science and Technology, paid tribute to his wife, describing her retirement as a reward for decades of faithful service, sacrifice and commitment to her family and the nation.
Prof. Etukudoh said he encouraged his wife to join the civil service in 2001 and praised her for balancing her career with family responsibilities.
“I encouraged her to join the civil service in 2001, and from that time till now we have not suffered any loss. She has worked, kept the home, remained faithful, and today she is retiring in glory. I thank God for her,” he said.
He added that retirement would not stop his wife from contributing to society and supporting her family.
“She is retiring, but she is not tired. She will continue to contribute to society, support the family and remain active in promoting the work of God,” he said.
