Protesters block Zainab Ahmed from entering her office over 14 years’ pension arrears
The acting minister of finance, Zainab Ahmed, was on Tuesday, September 18, prevented by members of the Nigeria Airways branch of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners from gaining entry into her office during a peaceful protest to demand the non-payment of their 14 years’ pension arrears.
In a report by Sahara Reporters, the acting finance minister was forced to alight from her official vehicle when they refused to vacate the gate, to appeal to the protesting senior citizens.
The pensioners during the protest, displayed placards and took over the main gate of the ministry, which obstructed human and vehicular movement, particularly the staff who were resuming for duty.
Ahmed addressing the protesters, asked for time to enable her get appropriate briefing on the issue, and also requested a proper meeting with the leadership of the group so as to agree on a payment schedule that will be mutually convenient.
She stated that the 14-year arrears of payment would have accumulated into a huge sum, and might not be easy to liquidate in one payment, hence a mutually agreed mode would be necessary.
The protesters therefore presented a copy of their protest letter to the minister and vacated the gate to allow her access into the premises.
They demanded the payment of their areas totaling N45.3 billion, which they said had been approved by President Muhammadu Buhari since 2017.
The protesters also asked the minister to maintain open and continuous contact with the leadership of the union for development and information regarding their pension.
