The Nigeria Union of Pensioners Contributory Pension Scheme Sector (NUPCPS) has criticised the removal of retirees from the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), describing the policy as unfair to senior citizens.
John Bisan, the national secretary of NUPCPS, expressed the concern on Thursday during a two-day sensitisation and enlightenment workshop on the workings of the contributory pension scheme (CPS) in Lagos.
Bisan said it was unjust to deny access to health coverage to those who had served the nation diligently for decades, noting that the need for medical care becomes even more critical after retirement.
“Once you turn 60 or retire from service—even at 55—you are removed from NHIS. This is unfair. I cannot serve my country for 35 good years and then be denied free healthcare,” he lamented.
He stressed that retirees often face health challenges such as hypertension, diabetes, and heart-related conditions, yet many cannot afford the cost of treatment or medication.
“This is the period we need free healthcare the most. Many pensioners are dying because they cannot afford basic medical care. Government should urgently restore health insurance access to retirees,” he said.
Bisan urged both federal and state governments to emulate developed countries such as the United Kingdom and the United States, where senior citizens enjoy free healthcare services.
Responding, Omolola Oloworaran, the director-general of the National Pension Commission (PENCOM), said an initiative to provide free healthcare access for low-income retirees under the Contributory Pension Scheme had been introduced.
Represented by Mutiu Muslim, head of the commission’s south-west zonal Office, Oloworaran described the initiative as a critical component of social protection and dignity in retirement.
