The Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP) under the Contributory Pensions Scheme (CPS) has urged federal pensioners in the state to register with the union to enjoy benefits.

The Enugu coordinator, Timothy Oyewande, made the call on Saturday in a statement he signed alongside the union’s spokesperson, Ngwuoke Ngwuoke, to mark the union’s seventh anniversary.

Mr Oyewande said the registration was necessary, as it would allow federal pensioners in Enugu to access new benefits, including free medical services for those earning less than N40,000 per month.

According to him, the scheme introduced by the National Pension Commission (PENCOM) was designed to assist pensioners in addressing their health needs and alleviating health challenges.

He commended the Renewed Hope Agenda of the federal government and outlined how CPS pensioners had benefited from recent reforms

The coordinator listed the benefits, including the payment of pension arrears to some pensioners in 2025 and the regular payment of entitlements.

“We hereby wish to inform all federal pensioners under the Contributory Pensions Scheme (CPS) that a branch of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners, Contributory Pensions Scheme Sector, is now operational in Enugu State.

“The association came into existence to address the numerous anomalies confronting CPS pensioners in the country.

“In the past, the meagre amount appropriated to pensioners was hardly released, and CPS pensioners were denied the right to any pension increase by the federal government.

“Today, with the birth of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners, Contributory Pensions Scheme Sector under the leadership of Comrade Sylva C. Nwaiwu, the narrative has changed for good,” he said.

He revealed that many union members could attest that the 2025 Christmas celebration was different from previous years because of the payment of pension arrears, which changed their lives.

Mr Oyewande stressed that some members who were owed several months of pensions now receive regular payments, adding that some categories of pensioners would also begin to enjoy free medical services.

“We therefore encouraged all federal government pensioners residing in Enugu State to register with the chapter to fully benefit from their years of service to the nation.

“For further details, the union advised interested pensioners to contact the state coordinator, Comrade Ade Oyewande, on 080344962193, or the Acting PRO, Comrade Ngwuoke Ngwuoke, on 07036621678,” he said.

(NAN)