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Tag: Pensioners

  • Lagos shares cash, food items with pensioners

    Lagos shares cash, food items with pensioners

    • Reaffirms care for retirees

    The Lagos State Government yesterday put smiles on the faces of hundreds of its pensioners as it distributed cash and food items to retired public servants, reaffirming its commitment to those who spent their productive years building the state’s public service.

    The welfare packages, distributed during an event titled: “Welfare Packages Distribution For Lagos State Pensioners” held at the NECA Auditorium, Alausa, Ikeja, formed part of the state’s end-of-year support for pensioners to help them celebrate the festive season with dignity and comfort.

    For many of the beneficiaries, the gesture went beyond food and cash, it was a reminder that their years of service are still remembered.

    “This is not just about rice or money. It shows the government still cares about us,” said Mrs. Comfort Adeyemi, a retired clerical officer. “With this support, my family will enjoy Christmas.”

    Another pensioner, Mr. Samuel Ogunleye, a former works supervisor, described the initiative as reassuring. “Some states forget their pensioners. Lagos has shown that once you serve, you are not forgotten,” he said.

    “I feel respected,” said Mrs. Funke Lawal, a retired education officer. “When a government remembers you like this, it gives peace of mind.”

    Mr. Johnson Adebayo, a former local government staff, described the initiative as thoughtful. “It’s not about the size of the package. It’s about the message that we still matter,” he said.

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    Speaking at the event, the Head of Service, Mr. Bode Agoro, described the retirees as “retired but not tired,” noting that their sacrifices and dedication laid the foundation for the Lagos State Public Service as it exists today.

    “Each time I see you, you look radiant, healthy and full of life. This administration truly values you,” Agoro said, adding that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu places a high premium on the welfare of both serving officers and pensioners.

    According to him, the initiative reflects the government’s resolve not to abandon workers after retirement. “This distribution could not have come at a better time, especially with Christmas around the corner,” he said.

    The Head of Service explained that the programme is a two-day exercise, with the Ikeja Division hosting the first phase, while pensioners in Badagry, Ikorodu, Lagos and Epe divisions will receive their packages simultaneously the following day to ensure equity and convenience.

    Agoro assured the retirees that the state would continue to prioritise prompt pension payments, healthcare initiatives and welfare programmes to ensure that their retirement years remain peaceful and fulfilling.

    He commended the Lagos State Pension Commission (LASPEC) for organising what he described as a seamless and orderly exercise, stressing that the safety and wellbeing of pensioners remained paramount.

    The Director-General, Lagos State Pension Commission (LASPEC), Mr. Babalola Obilana on his part assured the pensioners of sustained care and inclusion, reinforcing the message that retirement does not mark the end of relevance.

    Welcoming pensioners to the ceremony, Obilana said the exercise was designed not merely to distribute items, but to honour the men and women whose labour helped shape Lagos State’s public institutions.

    He said: “We are gathered here not merely to distribute items, but to honour, appreciate and reaffirm our commitment to the wellbeing of our senior citizens, who dedicated many years to strengthening the Lagos State Public Service. The Lagos State Public Service stands on the strong foundation built by your labour, discipline and unwavering commitment. You served through evolving times, embraced reforms, met challenges with resilience and upheld the values that define our public institutions today. Your contributions continue to shape the systems and policies we rely on.

    “You are more than retirees, you are pioneers whose legacy remains woven into the fabric of the Public Service. The Lagos State Government is sincerely grateful for your years of dedicated service. Retirement only magnifies the significance of your contributions, and you deserve to enjoy this phase of life in dignity, comfort and fulfilment. Be assured that we remain fully committed to keeping you valued, supported and connected to the system you helped build”.

    He further stated that this welfare initiative is one of the State Government’s deliberate efforts to support our veterans of service, especially during festive seasons when an additional gesture can bring relief and warmth.

    “Though the packages may appear simple, they carry deep meaning, they represent our genuine care for your wellbeing and a reminder that you remain an integral part of the Lagos State Public Service family. We recognize the diverse needs of our retirees, and this programme is one of several initiatives aimed at promoting inclusion, care and an improved quality of life.

    “Beyond today, LASPEC remains committed to strengthening pension administration, health support and welfare services, with plans to streamline paymentprocesses, expand social and healthcare assistance, and introduce innovative measures for easier access to pension information. These efforts are designed to make every retiree’s experience more seamless, secure and dignified, reflecting our ongoing dedication to your wellbeing.

    “Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has consistently emphasized that those who served the State must enjoy the rewards of their labour. Under the THEMES+ agenda, our retirees remain a priority, and the goal is clear — a Lagos where every pensioner feels respected, supported and valued. This administration will therefore continue to uphold policies that ensure prompt pension payments, improved healthcare access and sustainable welfare programmes. Your retirement years should be a season of rest and reassurance. Today’s packages are a small but heartfelt expression of our gratitude. Please accept them as a symbol of our respect and appreciation for your decades of service. Your legacy lives on in the work we continue to do”, Obilana said.

    As the event drew to a close, pensioners left the hall clutching their packages with a renewed sense that Lagos State remains a government that respects its workers, even in retirement.

  • Pensioners protest non-payment of increment arrears in Lagos

    Pensioners protest non-payment of increment arrears in Lagos

    • By Halimah Balogun

    Federal pensioners yesterday protested in Lagos over the non-payment of their N32,000 pension increment arrears and N25,000 palliative allowance, vowing to embark on a naked protest next week if the Federal Government fails to release their entitlements.

    The protesters, under the umbrella of the Coalition of Federal Pensioners of Nigeria, accused government agencies of frustrating retirees despite what they described as repeated assurances.

    The group, which had earlier threatened to protest nationwide in the nude, said it suspended the plan following appeals from prominent Nigerians who assured the group that officials of the Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD) were working on the matter.

    The coalition’s National Chairman, Mukaila Ogunbote, accused government agencies of insincerity and warned that patience among pensioners was running out.

    “We came out today to protest peacefully. This was supposed to be a naked protest, but prominent Nigerians appealed to us to suspend it. In good faith, we listened. But since then, nothing has changed,” Ogunbote said.

    He demanded the payment of the six-month N25,000 palliative allowance approved in 2023 and the N32,000 pension increase announced in July, last year.

    “In 2023, workers were paid their own palliative. Pensioners were promised three months. Up till now, we have not been paid. In July 2024, when minimum wage was reviewed, workers and corps members were paid within one month. Pensioners got nothing,” he said.

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    Ogunbote noted that pensioners have been sidelined in government’s policies, urging President Bola Tinubu, Minister of Finance Wale Edun and the Accountant-General of the Federation to look into the matter.

    “What is our sin? We worked for this country in our youth and strength. Is it a crime to grow old after serving Nigeria?

    “”PTAD announced that N45 billion had been released. Where is the money? Why have pensioners not been paid?” he said.

    He issued an ultimatum that if pensioners are not paid by Friday, the group would stage a naked protest nationwide next Monday.

    “If they fail to pay us, nobody will stop us. We are not chickens that will be thrown crumbs. Naked protest or not, the suffering of pensioners is a shame on this country,” Ogunbote said.

    He demanded that December pensions be paid on the 20th, instead of January, and warned that another protest would follow on December 28 if the demand was ignored.

    Secretary of the NIPOST chapter of the Nigerian Union of Pensioners, Mr Gbadamosi Ganiu, decried the living conditions of pensioners. He lamented that many pensioners were living in extreme poverty.

    “Some pensioners collect less than N60,000 a month. After transport and medication, nothing is left. People borrow money to attend protests. At over 80 and 90 years old, people are still begging to survive,” he said.

    He criticised government agencies for neglecting pensioners while paying other groups promptly.

    “Labour protested and they were paid. Workers were paid. But pensioners have been negotiating since 2023 with nothing to show for it,” Ganiu added.

    Another member of the group, Mrs Adetokunbo of the Federal Civil Service Pensioners, Lagos Chapter, accused government officials of unjust treatment and financial manipulation.

    “The money is there, but they refuse to release it. Some pensioners who retired in 2006 have not received one kobo till today. People are dying while waiting for their benefits,” he said.

    She appealed to the Federal Government to release pensioners’ entitlements.

    The protesters also condemned the Nigerian Union of Pensioners, accusing it of siding with the government against the interest of retirees.

  • Pensioners set to protest naked nationwide

    Pensioners set to protest naked nationwide

    The Coalition of Federal Pensioners of Nigeria is planning a nationwide naked protest to press home its demand for payment of its members’ outstanding pension increment arrears and palliative allowances.

    The coalition’s National Chairman, Mr Mukaila Ogunbote, made this known in a statement on Friday in Lagos.

    Ogunbote is also the Chairman, Nigeria Union of Pensioners, NIPOST Chapter.

    He said the protest would hold on Dec. 8, except the  Federal Government would,  before then, pay arrears of N32,000 pension increment  and N25,000 palliative allowance approved in 2023.

    The Federal Ministry of Finance and  Accountant General Office are not taking us serious; so, all pensioners must come out en masse to fight for the injustice,” he said.

    According to him, the protest will take place in Abuja, Lagos and all other states.

    Read Also: PTAD: Resolving pensioners’ issues

    He said that the protest would be staged at  the offices of the Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate and in front of Nigeria Television Authority stations.

    He urged all chairmen and secretaries of  organisations affiliated to the coalition to mobilise their members for the protest.

    “We must show the wound that our clothes are covering.

    “The protest is continuous until we receive alert of N32,000 pension increment and N25,000 for six  months. Those who can’t come and go back should come with mats.

    “All pensioners must come out and fight for their rights,” he said. 

    (NAN)

  • Federal pensioners threaten to protest October 1

    Federal pensioners threaten to protest October 1

    Pensioners of Federal Civil Service in the Nigerian Union of Pensioners has said it may protest non-implementation of the N32,000 increase in their pension on October 1.

    They said the N70,000 minimum wage has been implemented but they have been deprived of the increase.

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    In a statement yesterday in Abuja, National President, Frederick Eguaoba, said despite approval of N58 billion for the increase, Federal Ministry of Finance and Office of Accountant General of the Federation are yet to comply.

    Eguaoba said: “Union officials are demanding release of the N58 billion approved by the President to ensure compliance and implementation of the increase and payment of seven to eight months’ arrears owed them.

    “We are giving government two weeks to meet our demands or we will protest. PTAD should ensure release of the funds by Finance Ministry and Accountant-General’s Office.”

  • Pensioners threaten nationwide protest over unpaid arrears

    Pensioners threaten nationwide protest over unpaid arrears

    Retired federal workers under the Coalition of Federal Pensioners of Nigeria have issued a threat to stage a nationwide naked protest on October 6 if the federal government fails to pay their outstanding arrears and implement the N32,000 pension increment approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    Speaking at a press conference in Lagos, the coalition’s national chairman, Mukaila Ogunbote, who also chairs the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP), Lagos State, said pensioners had given the government until September to fulfil its promises on arrears, increments, and palliatives.

    He lamented that while workers and members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) have received their approved palliatives and increment arrears, pensioners remain excluded.

    “In October 2023, the President approved N35,000 for workers and N25,000 for pensioners as palliatives. Workers got theirs almost immediately, but up till now, pensioners have not received anything. Again, when the President approved N40,000 for workers, N70,000 for NYSC members, and N32,000 for pensioners in July 2024, workers and corps members were paid within two months, but pensioners were ignored,” Ogunbote said.

    He described the development as an “injustice” and questioned whether pensioners were no longer considered citizens of Nigeria.

    The union leader lamented the high death rate among retirees since the removal of fuel subsidy, noting that many pensioners earn as low as N12,000 to N15,000 monthly and cannot afford food or life-saving drugs.

    “Since subsidy removal, NIPOST alone has lost 23 pensioners. People are dying daily because they cannot afford medication. Drugs that used to cost N2,500 now go for N8,000. Yet the government continues to deny us our entitlements”, he added.

    Ogunbote said the planned naked protest was intended to expose the suffering of pensioners.

    Read Also: CPS: Pensioners call for end to delay in pension increases

    “The reason why pensioners decided to go naked is to show the world what we are hiding under our clothes. Those using pipes to urinate, those with untreated lumps because they cannot afford surgery, will expose it. If by the end of September nothing is done, by October 6, pensioners across the country will storm the streets naked. We don’t make empty threats. We match our words with action,” he noted.

    Supporting the chairman, the Lagos State chairman of the union, Fashola Oluwo, said it was “shameful” that elderly citizens who served the nation meritoriously were being neglected.

    “The majority of us are 70, 80 years old and still struggling to feed. If not for our children, many of us would have died of hunger. We cannot buy anything meaningful with N10,000 or N15,000. The President gave directives, but we are not being paid”, Oluwo said.

    Another pensioner, Mrs. Dupe Ogunniyi, who retired from Radio Nigeria, appealed directly to the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, to intervene.

    “As mothers, we understand suffering. Our children are unemployed, our grandchildren are hungry, and we are sick. Many of us live on medication, yet we cannot afford it. We beg the First Lady to speak to the President on our behalf so that this little money can be released”, she pleaded.

    The pensioners warned that the October 6 protest may attract international solidarity from Nigerians in the diaspora if the government fails to act.

  • Oyo govt pays gratuities to over 8,000 pensioners

    Oyo govt pays gratuities to over 8,000 pensioners

    Oyo state government on Friday said more than 8,545 pensioners have received their gratuities within the last six years.

    The Commissioner for Establishments and Training, Prof. Salihu Adelabu, disclosed this during a live appearance at an Ibadan-based television station.

    According to the Commissioner, the remarkable progress was made possible after the government increased the monthly gratuity payment from 100 million to ₦1 billion.

    He explained that this bold step significantly accelerated the clearance of outstanding gratuities, ensuring that more retirees received their entitlements promptly.

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    Prof. Adelabu further explained that the implementation of the ₦80,000 minimum wage positively impacted pensioners’ benefits.

    He added that recomputation exercises carried out for those who retired as recently as July last year up till present ensured fair and improved payments, thereby easing the lives of retirees.

    Highlighting the 2025 records, the Commissioner disclosed that a total of 1,906 pensioners have so far received their full gratuities this year.

    He noted that between May and August alone, about 1,500 retirees, particularly those whose gratuities were between N1million and N3.5million, were successfully settled.

    Professor Adelabu assured pensioners that Governor Seyi Makinde remains committed to their welfare.

    He emphasised that the administration is determined to clear all outstanding backlogs of gratuities before the end of its tenure.

    “The Governor has assured us that no backlog will be left behind. The welfare of our pensioners remains a top priority of this government,” the Commissioner stated.

  • Free healthcare for low-income pensioners

    Free healthcare for low-income pensioners

    • President directs action of pension increase

    Succour is on the way for low-income retirees under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS). They are to enjoy access to free healthcare soon.

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu gave the directive yesterday for the immediate rollout of the scheme for the retirees.

    He described the initiative as a critical component of social protection and dignity in retirement.

    The President announced the programme after being briefed on the activities of the National Pension Commission (PenCom) by its Chief Executive Ms. Omolola Oloworaran, at the State House in Abuja.

    According to presidential spokesman  Mr. Bayo Onanuga, the President called for the prompt implementation of the long-overdue pension increases and a minimum pension guarantee, which would provide a safety net for the most vulnerable pensioners under the CPS.

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    The statement quoted the President as mandating the PenCom director-general to urgently resolve the longstanding police pension issues, emphasising that members of the police force, deserve to retire with dignity and peace of mind after serving and protecting the nation.

    Ms. Oloworaran briefed the President on ongoing efforts to ensure the value preservation of pension fund assets, especially in the face of inflation and macroeconomic pressures.

    She stated that there are plans to introduce foreign currency contributions to enable Nigerians in the diaspora to participate in the pension system.

    The PenCom boss also updated the President on a suite of transformative pension initiatives to enhance retiree welfare and expand the pension scheme’s reach.

    The proposed reform got the backing of the President, who reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to inclusive growth and protection for all citizens.

  • Pensioners plead with Sanwo-Olu over unpaid arrears

    Pensioners plead with Sanwo-Olu over unpaid arrears

    • We’re committed to pensioners’ welfare, says LASPEC

    The Lagos State Pension Commission (LASPEC) is facing pressure from Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP), Lagos Council, who are expressing their dissatisfaction over the delay in implementing the 2019 Minimum Wage Act and demanding immediate action to address outstanding arrears.

    The pensioners led by the chairman, Rev. Oluremi Johnson, argued that the establishment of LASPEC should prioritize their welfare, particularly the timely payment of pensions.

    The pensioners was reacting to the response of the Lagos State Pension Commission, (LASPEC) Director- General, Babalola Obilana, who said recently that the state Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu had graciously approved a pension review and payment of an increment for pensioners under the defined Benefit Scheme of Lagos State Public Service with effect from January 2025, and that its doors were open for engagement.

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    The pensioners said: “Despite the Minimum Wage Act being promulgated on April 1, 2019, LASPEC did not implement it until early 2024. As of now, pensioners have only received payments for January, February, and March 2024—the 58th, 59th, and 60th months, respectively, within the five-year period from April 2019 to March 2024. This has resulted in a backlog of unpaid benefits for the preceding 57 months, raising concerns among elderly residents relying on these funds.

    LASPEC, Director- General, Babalola Obilana, recently said: “The Lagos State Government acknowledges the concerns raised by the Nigerian Union of Pensioners (NUP) and reaffirms its commitment to the welfare of pensioners as a top priority. This commitment is evident in the numerous social welfare programs designed to support retired civil servants and senior citizens in the state.

    “Regarding the alleged lack of engagement, the government, through the LASPEC, has consistently maintained open communication with pensioners and their representatives.

    “LASPEC remains available to address grievances and provide clarifications as necessary. If there had been any missed communications, the government is willing to reinforce appropriate channels for dialogue.”

  • DBS: Pensioners relish in new narrative for pension administration

    DBS: Pensioners relish in new narrative for pension administration

    Prior to the establishment of the Pension Transitional Directorate Arrangement (PTAD), the management of the Defined Benefits Scheme (DBS), also known as the ‘old pension scheme’ had a very bad reputation.

    Government was flooded with allegations of misappropriation of pension funds, neglect of pensioner’s welfare and other malfeasance.

    The public outcry led to widely publicised public hearings and criminal proceedings against suspected pension thieves.

    Presently, pensioners are relishing in reforms that has changed the narrative of pension administration in the country.

    Neglected Pensioners Welfare

    The Executive Secretary of PTAD, Dr. Chioma Ejikeme, said pensioners suffered to get their pensions with reports of pensioners sleeping under staircases and on floors of pension offices.

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    She stated that many pensioners did not receive their monthly pensions as and when due, others were owed pension arrears while many Next-of-kin (NOKs) had not been paid death benefits for years with some up to 10 years or more, after the death of the officer.

    Also, verification was hard on pensioners as many suffered from the stress of crowds, queuing for long hours, among other hardships.

     In some cases, pensioners had to pay money to get their pensions or arrears, she said.

    Pension Reform

    Against this background, PTAD was established in August 2013 to consolidate and manage pensions under the Defined Benefits Scheme (DBS) for pensioners who would not transit into the contributory scheme introduced in 2004.

    PTAD is thus an agency of the Federal Government, established in compliance with the provisions of the Pension Reform Act of 2004, repealed and re-enacted in 2014. The PRA 2014 provides for PTAD to consolidate old pension offices

    Thus, according to the Dr. Ejikeme, PTAD inherited very complex pension schemes that were mismanaged and did not have reliable data or information

    Key Challenges at Inception

    She disclosed that there were no personal information and employment records of pensioners under the DBS, rather, duplicate names and account numbers on inherited payrolls was what existed.

    She said: “Over 50,000 complaints were inherited from the Office of the Head of the Civil Service, over 30,000 qualified pensioners not on payroll and there were no clear way for pensioners to get their complaints, issues and concerns addressed and so many pensioners had even given up.

    “We inherited unfunded liabilities like pension arrears, 33 per cent arrears, gratuity and death benefits. There were issues of disorganised, error-prone manual computation/calculation of pension benefits; Lack of adequate/appropriate office space to accommodate walk-in pensioners; Inadequate staffing of offices and provision of appropriate technology work tools; Poor pension file management leading to damaged records and lost hope; and Rude and unruly behavior of pensioners…To be continued next week

  • Pensioners demand arrears from governors

    Pensioners demand arrears from governors

    • ‘Outstanding N33b owed ex-Nigeria Airways workers alone’

    The National President of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP), Godwin Abumisi, has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and state governors to release bailout funds to settle all outstanding pensions accrued to pensioners across the country.

    Abumisi spoke during the celebration of this year’s Pensioners’ Day at the weekend in Abuja.

    The union leader said many states were owing trillions of naira in retirement benefits to pensioners.

    He said many pensioners in state and local governments across the country have died without enjoying the fruits of their labour as a result of non-payment of their pensions for many years and total denial of their gratuities.

    Read Also: Pensioners demand payment of outstanding pension arrears by governors

    “As the president of the union, this neglect gives me sleepless nights, especially when legitimate and legal rights are denied to these senior citizens.

    “Let me call on Mr. President and the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) to put this matter as one of the priority of the government to release bailout funds to the state governments to settle all the outstanding pensions accrued to pensioners across the country,” he said.

    According to him, pensioners have been denied the benefits of a review of their pension or increment every five years, as provided by the 1999 Constitution and other extant pension laws enjoyed by their federal counterparts.

    Abumisi urged President Tinubu to put in place necessary government instruments towards making funds available for the payment of omitted pension review of 2015, which he said would serve as a palliative to put smiles on the faces of pensioners in the country.