Hon. Justice Muhammed Hamza of the Port Harcourt Judicial Division of the National Industrial Court has directed the Executive Secretary of the Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD) and five other defendants to immediately calculate and pay all pension arrears owed to Retiree Elder Godwin Nwaorgu, dating back to June 1999, until his passing.

The court ordered the payment of N1,751,532.13 (One Million, Seven Hundred and Fifty-One Thousand, Five Hundred and Thirty-Two Kobo) as the total arrears owed to Elder Nwaorgu.

The judgment was delivered based on a settlement agreement both parties had consented to, which adhered to the court’s rules.

Elder Godwin Nwaorgu, the claimant, had stated that he retired in 1999, but despite verification in Owerri on August 30, 2019, the PTAD and its Executive Secretary refused to pay his gratuity and pension. Nwaorgu also alleged that the PTAD had been evasive, repeatedly requesting the same documents from him.

In response, the defendants—PTAD’s Executive Secretary and five others—sought an out-of-court settlement. Both parties agreed to terms, which were presented to the court. As per the settlement, the judgment was entered, effectively preventing any further actions regarding the matter.

In delivering the judgment, Justice Hamza upheld the terms of the settlement and ruled that no costs would be awarded, emphasizing the amicable resolution between the parties.

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