By our reporter
Retired staff of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) have expressed deep frustration over what they describe as a deliberate and systemic exclusion from their entitled retirement benefits. The retirees are accusing the Commission’s management of ignoring multiple directives issued by the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, which ordered that the outstanding benefits be paid without further delay.
In a statement issued to the press, the former employees said that despite serving the nation for decades, many of them have been left in financial distress as their gratuities and pension entitlements remain unpaid. They described the situation as unjust and inhumane, especially given the increasing cost of living and the fragile state of healthcare in the country.
One of the retirees, who addressed journalists in Abuja, explained that their condition has worsened in recent years due to neglect by the Commission. He said that several letters and appeals had been submitted, but all have gone unanswered. The affected retirees emphasized that this was not a case of bureaucratic delay but a clear act of deliberate exclusion by the current leadership of NIMC.
The retirees also revealed that the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment had intervened in the matter and issued formal directives instructing the Commission to settle the outstanding entitlements. However, according to the group, NIMC has refused to comply with these directives, effectively defying a standing order from the federal government.
They warned that this kind of behavior sends a dangerous signal, suggesting that federal institutions can ignore lawful orders without consequence. The group expressed disappointment that a government agency, which should set the standard for proper administrative conduct, is instead being accused of flouting rules and abandoning its obligations to those who built the institution from the ground up.
Several of the retirees spoke emotionally about the personal toll the issue has taken on their lives. Some reported that colleagues have died due to lack of access to medical care, while others are currently suffering under severe financial hardship. They said they had never imagined that after dedicating their lives to public service, they would face retirement without dignity or basic security.
Central to their grievance is the failure of NIMC to implement the Condition of Service approved by the Federal Government in September 2021. That document outlines provisions for the welfare of staff, including retirement benefits. Despite the approval, the Commission has not acted on it, which the retirees see as further evidence of negligence and poor leadership.
In response to the worsening situation, the retirees have written to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, urging him to direct the management of NIMC to fulfill its obligations and comply with the directives from the Labour Ministry. They are also calling on the National Assembly and relevant oversight bodies to investigate the matter and ensure that justice is served.
The group stated that their demand is not an appeal for pity, but a legitimate call for the payment of benefits they earned through long years of dedicated service. They insist that the government must not turn a blind eye while its former employees suffer in silence.
As of the time this report was filed, NIMC has not issued any official response to the allegations. Repeated attempts to reach the Commission’s spokesperson for comments were unsuccessful. The matter continues to attract public attention, with labour unions and civil society organizations expected to weigh in if the situation remains unresolved.
