Pensioners’ pension: Pencom, wages commission clears NAMA from default

The National Pension Commission (PenCom) and the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC) have stepped in to resolve friction between the management of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) and its pensioners over pending pension adjustments.

At the heart of the controversy were harmonized pension benefits and adjustments spanning multiple review periods, specifically 2007, 2010, 2019 and 2024.

The CEO of NAMA, Eng. Farouk Umar had commissioned a comprehensive actuarial valuation to outline the exact adjustments needed for those milestone years. The report has been completed and administrative implementation is ongoing.

Following a joint meeting between NAMA management and pensioners’ representatives, held over the weekend at the agency’s headquarters in Abuja, all parties agreed to defer to PenCom and the Salaries Commission to clarify technical, legal and regulatory interpretations regarding specific pension segments.

The meeting was necessitated by severe friction following allegations that more than 1,000 NAMA pensioners had appealed to the federal government for intervention over unpaid pension increases.

The pensioners allege that NAMA has failed to implement and pay federal pension increases approved in 2007, 2010, 2019 and 2024 (including the consequential monthly adjustment of ₦32,000).

They argue that, under Article 173(3) of the 1999 Constitution, their pensions must increase in line with salary reviews for serving staff.

Documents show that only 54 are outstanding and the agency is working to compensate them as soon as possible.

NAMA has clarified that accrued entitlements for staff who moved from the old defined benefit scheme to the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) in June 2004 have been fully settled and transferred to Individual Pension Savings Accounts (RSAs).

The move effectively defuses tension by establishing a unified compliance channel between NAMA, PenCom and NSIWC, ensuring that any further adjustments are closely aligned with the provisions of the Pension Reform Act.

The breakthrough came following a strategic directive from NAMA CEO Farouk Umar, who opted for a data-driven approach to break the deadlock.

The agency commissioned a comprehensive actuarial assessment to determine the exact financial implications and individual rights related to the key years under review.

The MD of NAMA reiterated his commitment to the welfare of its senior citizens, recognizing their decades of service in keeping Nigerian airspace safe.

He, however, maintained that compliance with public service rules and pension guidelines remains non-negotiable.

NAMA director general for industrial relations, Dr Solomon Ohiomah, described the meeting as a ‘decisive clash’ with regards to agitation on both sides, both from pensioners and management.

“Everyone needs everyone when it comes to this issue. We appreciate management, especially the CEO, for having the patience to be able to bring everyone to the table and also engage the regulators to shed more light and provide clarification where we believe or where the agency believes there are gray areas.”