Waiting 5 years for NIS pension

Five years ago, I received NIS pension payments for six months, that is one payment of $2,800 and five payments of $661. I visited the NIB office to enquire why payments of $661 and was informed these were interim payments until clarification was received from my former workplace about the periods of employment — 7/2/2000-5/3/2000 and 3/4/2000-30/4/2000 — and my probation between July-September 1999. At this time the payments stopped altogether.

I visited my former employers, the High Commission of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which provided the necessary information. However, my pension has not yet resumed and my life is in limbo.

I have been visiting the NIB since and being told that my matter is pending (awaiting a decision by the board). All the compliance officers that have worked on my case have not been able to provide me with any clarity and I am still awaiting a proper answer and payment.

Recently I wrote Finance Minister Colm Imbert for assistance, from whom I am still awaiting a response. I am hoping that with the publication of this letter my problem will be dealt with soon.

A CHOW Diego Martin