Hon Chief Dr Billy Osawaru has demanded a detailed report on the denial of gratuity to pensioners. Am deeply troubled by the unnecessary multiple verification of pensioners' documents by the Director General of PENCOM

Hon Chief Dr Billy Osawaru has demanded a detailed report on the denial of gratuity to pensioners. Am deeply troubled by the unnecessary multiple verification of pensioners' documents by the Director General of PENCOM.

Hon Chief Dr Billy Osawaru has demanded a detailed report on the denial of gratuity to pensioners, a longstanding problem in Nigeria. Many pensioners face difficulties accessing their benefits, prompting concern about their welfare.

As representatives of the people, we are deeply troubled by the unnecessary multiple verification of pensioners' documents by the Director General of PENCOM. This cumbersome process has led to the untimely death of innocent pensioners struggling to receive their gratuity.

Gratuity, a lump sum benefit paid to employees upon retirement, is a reward for their meritorious service. Although not mandatory under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS), employers can still choose to pay gratuity in addition to CPS contributions.

The National Pension Commission (PenCom) has guidelines emphasizing the importance of paying gratuity to employees. Denying gratuity can have severe consequences, including diminished status, deteriorating health, and premature mortality.

It is essential that relevant authorities investigate and ensure prompt payment of gratuity benefits to pensioners. As Hon Chief Dr Billy Osawaru aptly put it, "It is indeed a sin to punish pensioners after they have served their fatherland meritoriously.

The government must take concrete steps to address this issue and ensure pensioners receive their deserved benefit