The Federal Parastatals and Private Sector Pensioners Association of Nigeria (FEPPPAN) has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to extend the newly approved N70,000 monthly transport allowance for public servants to pensioners, citing the rising cost of living.

The association said retirees also incur significant transportation expenses when travelling to hospitals for medical care, markets to purchase essential commodities and other destinations for economic activities aimed at supplementing their pensions.

FEPPPAN’s position was contained in a statement jointly signed by its President-General, Elder Benjamin Amako, and General Secretary, Franklin Erinle, who urged the President to intervene in addressing the concerns of pensioners.

The association clarified that its appeal was not against the transport allowance approved for serving public servants but against the exclusion of retirees from similar relief measures amid prevailing economic challenges.

It also expressed disappointment that eligible pensioners were still awaiting the N25,000 monthly palliative announced by the Federal Government in October 2023 to cushion the effects of petrol subsidy removal.

According to the association, the government had announced the payment for three months, identifying vulnerable pensioners among the categories expected to benefit.

However, FEPPPAN lamented that the continued delay in paying the promised relief had worsened the financial difficulties faced by retirees, many of whom depend on fixed monthly pensions to meet their basic needs.

The association noted that pensioners were struggling to afford food, medication, transportation and other necessities as prices continued to rise.

It consequently urged Tinubu to direct the relevant government agencies to expedite payment of the outstanding palliative to eligible pensioners and ensure their inclusion in the N70,000 monthly transport allowance arrangement.

FEPPPAN stressed that retirees deserved consideration in government policies designed to alleviate economic hardship, arguing that their years of service to the country should not leave them excluded from measures intended to improve citizens’ welfare.