The Federal Government on Wednesday reassured retirees of ongoing plans to settle outstanding pension and gratuities, revealing that the Pension Bond bill, valued at over N750 billion, is currently awaiting passage at the National Assembly.

Permanent Secretary of the Welfare Services Office, Mrs. Patience Oyekunle, disclosed this during the quarterly forum with organized unions across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) in Abuja. The forum is designed to foster dialogue and engagement between government leadership and union representatives.

Mrs. Oyekunle highlighted that the Federal Executive Council (FEC) had recently approved the issuance of a N758 billion bond to address outstanding pension obligations for all categories of federal pensioners.

She emphasized that the forum provides an important platform for open dialogue between the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF) and union leaders in the various MDAs, noting that such meetings are essential to discussing staff welfare, working conditions, and the challenges faced by union executives.

Reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment, Oyekunle stated, “Government remains determined to bring relief to thousands of retirees who have waited for years to access their entitlements.”

She further explained that the forum forms part of a broader strategy to strengthen partnership with the workforce, adding that meaningful progress is best achieved through collaborative dialogue, shared responsibility, and sustained engagement.

In addition, Oyekunle revealed plans to expand free annual medical screenings for civil servants, noting that at least 5,000 employees in Abuja have already benefited from the initiative. She also expressed appreciation to the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, for her leadership and dedication to staff welfare.

The Permanent Secretary reaffirmed the government’s commitment to fully implement the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan 2021–2025, which identifies Staff Welfare as Pillar No. 6, and stressed that the current administration has made significant investments in this area.

Among key initiatives highlighted by the OHCSF, Oyekunle mentioned the approval of the Group Life Assurance for all federal employees by the FEC, the revival of the Nigerian Social Insurance Trust Fund to enhance the Employee Compensation Scheme, and the repositioning of the Wellness Centre within the OHCSF Complex to provide free medical consultations and medications.

On rewarding excellence, Oyekunle noted that the Rewards and Recognition Policy has been reviewed to foster a performance-driven culture that promotes innovation, dedication, and high productivity across the civil service.

Comrade Chika Ukachukwu, Chairman of the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation Staff Union, commended the OHCSF for providing a platform for dialogue with union leaders but urged the government to intensify efforts to improve civil servants’ welfare amid prevailing economic challenges.

Meanwhile, Executive Secretary of the Federal Government Housing Loans Board, Salamatu Ahmed, highlighted ongoing government efforts to provide affordable housing for public servants. “We are partnering with multiple stakeholders in the housing sector, including the Federal Mortgage Bank, which has substantial funds for mortgage financing. This collaboration aims to make housing loans more accessible to civil servants,” she stated.