Unpaid Pensions: Nigerian Pensioners Threaten Nationwide Naked Protest Over Arrears
The Coalition of Federal Pensioners of Nigeria has threatened to hold a nationwide protest on November 24 if the Federal Government fails to pay the outstanding pension increment arrears and palliative allowances owed to pensioners.
Speaking at a news conference on Tuesday, November 11, in Lagos, the Coalition’s National Chairman, Mukaila Ogunbote, revealed that the Federal Government had failed to fulfil its promise of paying the ₦32,000 pension increment arrears and the ₦25,000 palliative allowance, which had been approved since 2023.
Ogunbote, who is also the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners, NIPOST Chapter, said the protest would take place unless the payments were made by November 23.
“We were told that our arrears would be paid within two weeks of the approval, yet nothing has been done,” Ogunbote stated.
“If by November 23, we do not receive payment, all pensioners nationwide will embark on a naked protest on November 24,” he warned.
Ogunbote also disclosed that pensioners in the diaspora had expressed their support and would join the protest from their respective countries, making the protest not just a nationwide event, but a global one.
He appealed directly to President Bola Tinubu to intervene and direct the Minister of Finance and the Accountant-General of the Federation to release the funds.
“Many pensioners have died and many more are dying due to hardship, as they are unable to feed well or access proper medical treatment when ill,” Ogunbote lamented.
The coalition’s chairman further criticised the government for paying workers their ₦35,000 palliative allowance, while pensioners, who he argued are more vulnerable, have been left out.
“Workers received the ₦35,000 palliative in a month, but up till now, pensioners have not been paid the ₦25,000 approved for us. We are more vulnerable than anyone else,” he said.
Ogunbote also expressed disappointment at the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) for not supporting the pensioners’ demand more actively. He called for unity among workers to address the perceived injustices perpetrated by the government, which he accused of prioritising other expenditures while neglecting pensioners.
Appeal for Government Action Before Christmas
The pensioners’ representatives, including Ogunbote, also appealed to the government to release the owed funds before December to allow pensioners to prepare for the upcoming Christmas celebrations with dignity.
The President of the Civil Service Pensioners, Francis Oluwo, lamented that the individuals surrounding President Tinubu were not following through on the instructions issued to them.
Oluwo also called on the Federal Government to act swiftly, noting that many retirees are living in poor health conditions and struggling to afford basic needs like food and medication.
Bridget Obieto, the Assistant Secretary of the Voice of Nigeria Pensioners Association, echoed these sentiments and urged the NLC to use its influence to help address the pensioners’ demands.
“We have served this country faithfully for over 35 years. Now that we are old, the government must not abandon us,” she said.
Obieto appealed to President Bola Tinubu and First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, to ensure the prompt payment of arrears before December to enable pensioners to celebrate the festive season with dignity.
The Chairman Emeritus of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners, NIPOST Chapter, Elijah Akindutire, also called for the payment of the arrears.
Akindutire urged pensioners to turn out in large numbers for the protest on November 24 to show the government their resolve.
“We are determined to make our voices heard,” Akindutire said.
The pensioners remain hopeful that the Federal Government will act before the deadline, but their resolve to protest has made their intentions clear.