The Nigerian Union of Pensioners (NUP) has praised President Muhammadu Buhari for the early payment of their August pension allowance.

He said the early release of the allowance enabled them to celebrate Eid-el-Kabir happily.

Mr Actor Zal, the General Secretary of the union, said this in a statement on Saturday in Abuja.

“We appreciate the Federal Government for harkening to the voice of the union by acting fast to ensure that our people have a very happy sallah celebration.

“The prayer of all Nigerian pensioners will abide with him,” the statement quoted Zal as saying.

The union also commended the Pension Trust Administration (PTAD) for ensuring that the payment was made.

He, however, reminded the President of the arrears of the 33 per cent pension increment, which had not been paid since 2010.

He said, “ For the umpteenth time, we use this opportunity to appeal to Mr President to direct the ministry of finance to begin payment of the outstanding arrears.”

Zal said the outstanding arrears had accumulated into 18 months for civilian pensioners and 39 months for police pensioners. (NAN)