The Nigerian Postal Service has said it is now on the same page with its pensioners after a dispute with former workers of the organisation that saw the postal system closing shop for a short period.
In a recent statement signed by Public Relations Manager, Mr. Taiye Olaniyi, NIPOST said it had sealed a ceasefire agreement with the former workers that would now enable it open its doors open for business without incurring the wrath of the pensioners.
Olaniyi said the deal with the National Union of Pensioners (NIPOST branch) would see to the payment of the pensioners, verified in March 2011, their December 2012 pensions.
All outstanding and other entitlements would be paid not later than February 2013 as promised by the Office of the Accountant General of Federation, he said.
Olaniyi said, “NIPOST will continue to pursue all measures, including collaboration with relevant authorities responsible for processing the entitlements to ensure that the pensioners are paid in good time.
“It is pertinent to reiterate the fact that both in-serving and retirees and members of their families all belong to the global family through the portal of the post.
“NIPOST management wishes to express its profound appreciation to members of the public and customers in particular for their cooperation and understanding during the period the post offices were shut; thus necessitating the inability of NIPOST to meet its statutory obligations to all.”
The pensioners had in a nationwide action forced the postal system to shut its operations as the retired workers pressed for the payment of their pension arrears.
They were owed several months or years of pension arrears, depending on when they retired from service.