The House of Representatives has raised concerns over the declining number of retired Central Bank of Nigeria workers, ordering an investigation into alleged pension irregularities and unpaid entitlements.
The lawmakers expressed concern that the number of CBN pensioners had fallen from 5,104 in 2011 to about 3,000, warning that delays in settling their benefits could expose elderly retirees to poverty, ill health and avoidable deaths.
The resolution followed a motion sponsored by Hussaini Mohammed Jallo during plenary on Tuesday.
The House mandated its Committee on Pension to investigate alleged breaches of pension agreements by the apex bank, particularly the non-implementation of the Harmonisation Policy and the exclusion of some retirees from approved general pension increases.
The committee is also expected to examine outstanding pension arrears and determine why some former CBN employees have allegedly been denied benefits due to them under existing agreements.
As part of the investigation, the lawmakers directed the committee to invite the CBN governor, pension administrators, relevant regulatory officials and representatives of affected retirees to explain the circumstances surrounding the disputed payments.
They are also expected to provide relevant agreements, policy circulars, payment records and actuarial reports.
The House urged the CBN and other relevant authorities to verify and settle all outstanding pension arrears owed to affected retirees and extend applicable pension increases to all eligible beneficiaries without discrimination.
The committee is expected to submit its findings and recommendations within four weeks for further legislative action.
The lawmakers said the investigation was necessary to address administrative failures and protect the welfare of former employees who had dedicated their working years to national service.
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