By Joan Nwagwu
The Nigeria Union of Pensioners said the compulsory retirement of its General Secretary, Actor Zal, followed the union’s constitution and staff regulations.
The National President of NUP, Mr Godwin Abumis, gave the clarification at a news conference in Abuja on Thursday.
Recall that Zal, having reached the age of 65 as a career officer, was issued a notice of compulsory retirement on Febuary 3.
He explained that the decision came after constitutional amendments adopted at the 2025 delegates’ conference in Kano.
According to him, the amendments were necessary to fill gaps in the previous constitution affecting leadership and staff management.
“The general secretary has faithfully served the union for over 42 years, and he has also reached the retirement age of 65 as stipulated in our constitution and public service rules.
“Retirement is a standard administrative procedure, not a punishment. It ensures orderly leadership succession and compliance with federal service regulations governing staff tenure and age limits.
“The previous constitution had gaps that hindered effective administration and leadership accountability. Amendments were necessary to strengthen governance and protect pensioners’ interests,” he said.
He added that reforms were introduced after feedback from pensioners and delegates at the Kano conference.
Abumis said the retirement policy aligned with public service rules on tenure and age while also clarified that the decision was not targeted at individuals but applied to all staff.
He emphasised that the union belonged to pensioners, not administrative staff, and reforms restored ownership.
Abumis explained that prior to the reforms, staff previously had excessive control, which undermined pensioners’ interests.
He dismissed allegations of illegality surrounding Zal’s retirement saying the retirement was constitutional and approved by the National Executive Council (NEC).
He assured that Zal’s retirement benefits would be calculated according to the union’s service scheme and paid promptly.
He said committees were set up to oversee handover of responsibilities and assets.
Abumis reaffirmed NUP’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and pensioners’ welfare nationwide.
He appealed to members to remain calm and support the reforms for effective service delivery.
The NUP president promised continued engagement with authorities and legal teams to ensure compliance with law.
He, however, commended President Bola Tinubu for approving over N758 billion to clear pension liabilities nationwide.