Courtroom orders NNPC to pay retirees harmonised pension

By Robert Egbe

THE Nationwide Industrial Courtroom in Lagos has ordered the Nigerian Nationwide Petroleum Company (NNPC) and NNPC Pension Fund Restricted to pay harmonised pensions to NNPC retirees.

Justice Elizabeth Oji gave the 2 defendants 90 days inside which to adjust to the order, whereas additionally awarding N20,000 prices in opposition to them.

The choose made the order in a judgment delivered on Monday, which was obtained by The Nation yesterday.

She upheld the prayers made by the claimants, Dr. Ikechukwu Nwobodo and 13 others, by means of their counsel Adeleke Agboola, in a go well with marked NICN/LA/329/2019.

He directed the corporations to pay the harmonised pension to the claimants from January 1, 1997 until date, in accordance with Part 173 of the 1999 Structure.

The NNPC had contended that the fee of pension must be primarily based on ‘affordability and sustainability.’

However, rejecting the argument, Justice Oji famous {that a} Federal Authorities Civil Service Round in 1998 directed all authorities departments to implement harmonised pensions for public service retirees.

The choose held: “The defendants are hereby directed to pay to the claimants forthwith all accrued pensions calculated with impact from 1st of January, 1997 on emoluments presently earned by their serving counterparts …and subsequently all such pensions and when due.

“The defendants’ determination to pay the claimants pensions on the idea of ‘affordability and sustainability’ or ex gratias is extremely vires, null and void.

“The defendants are hereby directed to conform absolutely with the provisions of Sections 39 of the Pension Reform Act… and to completely fund the pension scheme in accordance with the directives of Nationwide Pension Fee.”