No fewer than 2,000 retirees of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) are being owed over N1 billion in the last two years.The amount is the 15 percent salary increment and furniture allowance that was not paid since 2006.

The retirees claimed that the management of the authority had approved the money but some powerful people in NPA allegedly lodged the money in their private account.

Mr Austin Adarighofua, the Spokesman of the group and former executive member, NPA Senior Staff Association, said that the money was approved in 2007 after a committee was set up to look into the issue of wage increase and furniture allowance.

He said that the management promised to pay the money in August last year but did not keep to their promise.

He further said that those in service had been paid immediately the money was approved. He added that those who retired in 2007 were entitled to the 15 percent salary increment

His words: "We went to Superannuation department, they told us they were working on it and that they would pay us in phases. When August came we demanded for the money but the autho-rity's General Manager, Human Resources came out with a circular telling us that the money would be paid in December. Now December has come and gone.

"Our source at the authority told us that the management has released the money. From what we gathered those who left the service since 2006 were entitled to furniture allowance but for those of retired in 2007 we are entitled to collect the 15 percent salary increment and furniture allowance.

Adarighofua also noted that the retirees has gone to court to challenged the five years buy-out pension

He explained that the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria had warned them that the issued of severance package should not be mixed up with pension, it was their right to collect pension as others.

He noted that in the NPA condition of service, there was no term like buy-out and there was no law backing it, saying that was the reason the retirees went to court to challenge the action of the authority.

He noted that: "A lot of families have died since 2006 while land lords have thrown some people out due to debts. Some of us would collect up to two million naira if the money is paid and we are up to 2,000 people".

Mr Musa Illiya, assistant general manager, Public affairs declined comment on the issue, saying he was on his annual leave.