The Abia State branch of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP) has publicly asserted that it has not received the full payment of pension arrears and gratuities owed by the state government. Despite assurances from Governor Alex Otti to clear all outstanding pension obligations by December 2023, the union reports that this promise remains unfulfilled. The leadership of the NUP expressed concern over their inability to secure a direct audience with the Governor, despite multiple letters and appeals, which they believe indicates that pensioners are being overlooked in favor of other governmental priorities.

During a media briefing in Umuahia, Elder Chukwuemeka Irondi, the NUP chairman for Abia State, elaborated on the financial obligations owed to the pensioners, referencing a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) that was previously signed. The union conveyed its dismay upon discovering that only 10 months of pension arrears incurred during the current administration have been addressed, while a substantial backlog of 45 months from preceding administrations remains unpaid.

In light of these developments, the NUP has urged the Governor to fulfill his campaign commitments or publicly clarify that his administration will not settle these debts. Furthermore, the union accused the state government of attempting to coerce pensioners into signing an MOA that falsely claimed they had waived their rights to outstanding arrears and gratuities. The union has sought a review of this MOA in accordance with the dispute resolution provisions contained within the document, and it has appealed to both the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the national union for additional support.

The union articulated that initial estimates for settling the pension arrears had ballooned from N10 billion to N30 billion following a verification exercise. Although the Governor introduced a new payment template offering percentages based on the arrears owed, the union has requested adjustments to ensure a more equitable distribution of funds for the pensioners. A series of discussions between the NUP leadership and government officials has yet to yield satisfactory outcomes, leaving the union dissatisfied with the handling of the pension issues and accusing the state government of lacking transparency and integrity in its dealings with pensioners.