We Don’t Owe Retirees, NAMA In-House Unions Declare

• Debunk Claims of 1,000 Unpaid Retirees

The Joint In-House Unions of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has disclosed that the agency does not owe retirees their pension benefits, adding that the assertion that over 1,000 retirees are being denied pension benefits is inaccurate and inconsistent with available records.

They stated that NAMA has discharged its statutory obligations regarding accrued pension rights, pension remittances and retirement-related benefits under the Contributory Pension Scheme.

They urged stakeholders to allow the ongoing regulatory and administrative processes to run their course while ensuring that public discourse on pension matters remains factual, balanced and consistent with the provisions of the Pension Reform Act 2004, the Pension Reform Act 2014, and other extant regulations governing pension administration in Nigeria.

The unions issued clarifications against the backdrop of the ongoing face-off between the retirees and NAMA management over allegedly owed pension benefits and pension increase arrears dating back to 2007.

While the union acknowledges and respects retirees’ rights to seek clarification on matters affecting their welfare, it noted that it is important to place the facts on record and provide the necessary legal and administrative context to avoid misleading the public and creating unnecessary anxiety among serving and retired employees.

The group noted that the Pension Reform Act (PRA) 2004, now re-enacted as the Pension Reform Act 2014, established the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) and made provisions for employees who were already in service before the commencement of the scheme.

Pursuant to Sections 23 and 24 of the PRA, accrued pension rights earned under the former Defined Benefits Scheme were required to be actuarially determined, computed, funded and transferred into the Retirement Savings Accounts (RSAs) of eligible employees.

In compliance with these statutory provisions, the union disclosed that NAMA undertook the necessary actuarial computations and funding arrangements for all affected employees, adding that, consequently, accrued rights due to eligible retirees were duly calculated, funded and transferred into their respective retirement savings accounts.

These payments, the unions stated, covered all eligible retirees, including Mr Stephen Olopha and other officers who transitioned from the Defined Benefits Scheme into the Contributory Pension Scheme.

“Under the Contributory Pension Scheme, pension administration is no longer undertaken by individual government agencies. Retirement benefits are administered by licensed Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs) and Pension Fund Custodians (PFCs) under the regulatory supervision of the National Pension Commission (PenCom).

“Once accrued rights and statutory pension contributions are credited into an employee’s Retirement Savings Account, pension payments become the responsibility of the relevant PFA, annuity provider and the regulatory framework established by PenCom. Accordingly, NAMA cannot be said to be withholding pension benefits that are already domiciled within the Contributory Pension Scheme and administered outside the agency”.

It is equally important to state that all approved salary reviews, minimum wage adjustments and improvements in Conditions of Service applicable to serving NAMA employees were implemented as approved by the Federal Government.

“Employees who remained in service benefited from these adjustments prior to retirement. Consequently, their terminal benefits, accrued rights computations and pension contributions were determined using the applicable pensionable emoluments at the point of exit from service. Retirement benefits and severance entitlements were computed based on the Final Pay Certificate and applicable regulations governing retirement from Federal Public Service”, they stated.

To them, the issue of pension enhancement under the Contributory Pension Scheme should not be confused with accrued rights or pension benefits already earned and paid.

They further explained that, unlike the old defined benefits scheme, pension increases under the CPS are subject to Federal Government policy decisions, PenCom regulations, actuarial valuation and approved funding mechanisms, reiterating that Section 173(3) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria guarantees periodic pension review.

“However, implementation for retirees under the CPS must follow the procedures prescribed by law and the directives issued by PenCom and the Federal Government. Therefore, any nationwide pension enhancement programme cannot be construed as a debt owed solely by NAMA unless specifically provided for under the applicable legal framework and funding arrangements.”

They stated that, contrary to claims that nothing is being done, the current management under the leadership of the Managing Director/Chief Executive, Engr. Farouk Ahmed Umar has demonstrated commitment towards addressing pension-related concerns.

“Management commissioned a comprehensive actuarial assessment covering pension adjustment obligations relating to the years 2007, 2010, 2019 and 2024. The actuarial exercise has been completed, and implementation processes are already being pursued through the appropriate administrative and regulatory channels.”

This action, they said, clearly demonstrates management’s commitment to addressing pension adjustment matters in a transparent, lawful and sustainable manner.

The group of unions maintained that NAMA management has maintained continuous engagement with representatives of retirees and pensioners on all matters relating to pension administration and welfare, hinting that at the meeting held on 10 June 2026, management and representatives of retirees jointly agreed that certain issues required further clarification from the National Pension Commission (PenCom).

In line with that agreement, NAMA immediately forwarded the relevant correspondence to PenCom and is currently awaiting regulatory guidance on the issues raised.

“This demonstrates good faith, transparency and commitment to due process rather than neglect or indifference”.

Available records indicate that accrued rights have been computed and settled, pension contributions duly remitted, and retirement benefits processed in accordance with the Pension Reform Act, stating that any discussions relating to pension enhancements are currently being addressed through actuarial assessments, stakeholder engagements and consultations with PenCom.

The Joint In-House Unions of NAMA said they remain committed to the welfare and dignity of both serving and retired employees.

“We acknowledge the invaluable contributions of our retirees to the growth and development of the Nigerian aviation industry and support every lawful effort aimed at improving their welfare. However, public discussions on pension matters must be guided by facts, statutory provisions, actuarial evidence and verifiable records rather than narratives capable of creating unnecessary alarm and misrepresenting the true position of affairs.”

Wole Shadare