Edo Government Reaffirms Commitment to Pensioners’ Welfare, Health Coverage

The Edo State Government has reiterated its dedication to enhancing the welfare of pensioners across the state, with renewed assurances of improved health coverage and timely payment of entitlements.

According to IReporter Online, the pledge was made by the Deputy Governor, Dennis Idahosa, during a courtesy visit by the Edo State Chapter of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP) to his office in Benin City. Addressing the union’s leadership, Idahosa said that the administration, under Governor Monday Okpebholo, remains committed to the wellbeing of all citizens, particularly retirees who have served the state.

He noted that efforts were underway to ensure the clearing of all outstanding arrears owed to already-screened pensioners at both the local and state government levels. The deputy governor assured the union that pensioners would benefit from the state’s universal health coverage scheme, aimed at broadening access to essential healthcare services for the elderly.

While responding to specific concerns raised by the pensioners, Idahosa reaffirmed that the administration is aware of the hardships faced by retirees and is actively pursuing measures to address them. He emphasized that the fruits of the current government’s work would soon be visible throughout the state.

Speaking on behalf of the pensioners, the State Chairman of the NUP, Samuel Okhuelegbe, outlined key challenges facing retired public servants in Edo. He highlighted the insufficiency of monthly pensions and called for adjustments in line with the revised minimum wage enjoyed by active workers in the state.

Okhuelegbe also commended the government for establishing a review committee on the Contributory Pension Scheme, which he said was set up to reduce disparities between pensioners under different schemes and clarify the entitlements of those affected. He appealed to the government to expedite the implementation of the committee’s report in the interest of justice and equity for retirees.