Pensioners’ Union Threatens Protest Over Dispute With PTAD

The Federal Parastatals and Private Sector Pensioners Association of Nigeria (FEPPPAN) has threatened to mobilise its members nationwide over what it described as the failure of the Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD) to remit check-off dues deducted from pensioners under its jurisdiction.

The union, in a statement issued in Abuja yesterday and signed by its president-general, Elder Benjamin Amakko and general secretary, Mr Franklin Erinle, called on President Bola Tinubu and the minister of Labour and Employment to intervene in the issue.

He cautioned that the situation had reached a breaking point and could escalate if the agency continues to ignore both the law and directives from relevant authorities.

According to the union, existing labour provisions require that such deductions be remitted to the appropriate registered union representing the affected pensioners.

It, however, expressed concern that the process has not been fully aligned with its expectations.

He stated that, “FEPPPAN has exhausted every avenue of dialogue and administrative resolution available within the system. However, our patience must not be mistaken for weakness.

“If this injustice continues, FEPPPAN will have no option but to mobilise its members across the country and deploy every lawful and democratic instrument available to defend our rights.”

FEPPPAN stated that, over time, it has engaged relevant stakeholders, provided documentation to support its position, and participated in consultations aimed at resolving the matter.

Citing the provisions of the Trade Unions Act 2004, the union stressed that employers and government agencies are obligated under Section 17 of the law to deduct and remit trade union check-off dues directly to the registered union representing the workers or pensioners concerned.

It also recalled that a policy framework on check-off dues had been developed following consultations with key institutions, including the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment and the Federal Ministry of Justice, to guide the process.