The Rivers State government’s dedication to improving the welfare of retirees across the state has been reiterated by Inyingi Brown, the Head of Service in Rivers State.
Speaking at the 2026 delegates’ conference of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP) in the state, she gave assurance that “even with current economic challenges, pensioners remain a top priority.”
Her remarks were made known in a statement published on the state government page on Friday.
The meeting was declared open by Brown, who emphasised that retirement should not be a burden but rather characterised by comfort, dignity, and fulfilment.
She said the administration of Governor Siminalayi Fubara has maintained vigilance towards pensioners, including matters related to retirement benefits, healthcare access, and gratuity payments, according to her.
According to her, retirees are not just individuals who have left their jobs but also make an impact on the growth of Rivers State.
Brown highlighted that the government was striving to reinforce current systems to guarantee that pensions are paid more consistently and without unnecessary delays.
Her statement indicated that the government would maintain regular communication with the pensioners’ union, as well as continue working towards resolving issues concerning pension enrollment and processing.
She recognised the challenges faced by certain retirees in the aftermath of the state pension law’s expiration in June 2025, and affirmed that measures were being taken to mitigate the impact on those who weren’t fully integrated into the system.
She expressed appreciation for the leadership of the NUP Rivers State Council and remarked that pensioners could be a valuable resource whose experience could have been better utilised for mentorship and community development.
Brown emphasised the importance of the union and the government working together, emphasising the need for members to unite and work towards common growth.
Furthermore, she cited the state government’s recent actions, such as paying the 32,000 consequential adjustment to retirees and depositing gratuities into beneficiaries’ accounts.
The Rivers State Contributory Health Protection Programme (RIVCHPP) is responsible for providing free healthcare services to senior citizens.
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She also said the office accommodation had been opened so that pensioners could complete their federal pension paperwork at home, under the new designation of the Pensions Transitional Arrangements Directorate (PTAD).
At the conference, Collins Nwankwo, the outgoing Chairman of the NUP Rivers State Council, thanked the delegates and expressed his gratitude for their attendance.
In his reflections on his tenure, he highlighted accomplishments such as the establishment and commissioning of a state-of–the-art secretariat funded by members’ donations.
Furthermore, Nwankwo highlighted the regular payment of pensions and gratuities and recent welfare improvements, such as the start of the 32,000 adjustment and the settlement of a small sum of CFA money, in addition to his annual report on women’s health. Christmas bonus to pensioners.
He requested additional aid from the state government for the union.
These include the construction of an 18-seater bus to alleviate transportation challenges and boosting gratuity funds to help offset financial strain on pensioners.
Additionally, he highlighted the union’s involvement in aiding pensioners during the “I Am Alive” verification process by PTAD, which enabled members to receive federal pension benefits.
Nwankwo expressed his appreciation for the government’s decision to provide free healthcare services to retirees and urged members to participate responsibly in the ongoing delegate elections.
He emphasised that their choices would shape the union’s future and the well-being of pensioners.
