The Fiji National Provident Fund (FNPF) Pensioners Committee has expressed strong opposition to the Cabinet’s recent decision to not reinstate pensions for members retroactively to 2012, calling the ruling unjust and unacceptable. In a letter dated February 27, 2026, Committee Chair Ross McDonald articulated the group’s concerns regarding comments made by Finance Minister Esrom Immanuel, emphasizing the urgent need for a meeting with both the Minister and Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka to address these pressing issues.
The Committee is advocating on behalf of approximately 1,400 pensioners affected by the 2012 changes, which they argue unlawfully reduced their life pensions and violated existing agreements with the Fund. Many of these pensioners are elderly and in declining health, which adds urgency to their claims.
Challenging the government’s position, which suggests that full pension restoration could threaten the financial stability of the FNPF, the Committee pointed to the Pension Buffer Fund established in 1975. They questioned why these resources could not be tapped to fulfill pension obligations.
The Cabinet’s previous statements noted constitutional concerns and the significance of avoiding a financial burden. It argued that the 2012 adjustments were necessary due to assessments indicating that pension payouts were exceeding the members’ accumulated savings. The estimated cost to restore these pensions totals around $582 million, encompassing $372 million for back payments and $210 million for future liabilities. The Cabinet referenced Section 173(3) of the 2013 Constitution, which restricts retroactive changes to the legal impacts of the 2012 reforms, warning that using Fund resources for back payments could harm member balances and strain the National Budget.
Despite this setback, the Coalition Government announced that from August 1, 2024, affected pensioners will receive payments on a prospective basis. This arrangement will be funded by taxpayers at an estimated total cost of $57 million over time. The Pensioners’ Committee insists that the issue remains unresolved, advocating for renewed dialogue to explore a viable resolution.
This ongoing conversation signals a potential shift, reflecting a willingness to negotiate a fair and just outcome for those whose well-being has been severely affected by the adjustments over the years. As discussions continue, there remains hope for both fair compensation and enhanced support for these vulnerable pensioners, highlighting the importance of addressing their needs effectively.