Nigerian pensioners have announced plans to hold a major protest due to unpaid pensions and gratuities.
The amount owed by the federal and state governments has reached N193 billion, causing distress among retirees.
Despite some states making partial payments, the Federal Government still owes N88 billion in accrued rights under the Contributory Pension Scheme. Many states, including Kaduna, Benue, Imo, and Enugu, also have significant backlogs, affecting thousands of retirees who depend on these funds to survive.
“The accrued rights of contributory pensioners from March 2023 to date stands at N88 billion. It is government debt; they should settle it,” said Bunmi Ogunkolade, spokesperson for the National Union of Pensioners. Meanwhile, a source from the National Pension Commission confirmed that while some progress is being made, “efforts have not reached advanced stages.”
The NUP has scheduled a peaceful rally for October 23 at Abuja’s Unity Fountain to demand immediate payment. In a recent letter to members, the union encouraged pensioners from across the country to participate, stressing the urgency of the situation.
“The state pensioners are suffering,” said Yimusa Ishaku, NUP Chairman in Plateau. He expressed disappointment in Governor Caleb Mutfwang’s administration, which had promised to clear N30 billion in pension arrears but has not yet fulfilled the pledge.
In some states, however, pension payments have seen partial progress. Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal has approved N9.3 billion in pension arrears since February, providing relief to thousands of retirees. Suleiman Idris, the governor’s spokesperson, explained, “In his commitment to reform the Zamfara state civil service, Governor Lawal established a committee to verify and authenticate pensioners’ payments.”
Other pensioners, like those in Enugu, remain in severe hardship, with some local government and primary school retirees owed 26 months of unpaid pensions. NUP Chairman in Enugu, Ikechukwu Ekere, shared, “Saying we are suffering is an understatement. In short, we are dying, especially those who served in primary schools and local governments.”
Despite positive efforts in some regions, the NUP insists that nationwide action is necessary to address the crisis and end the cycle of delays and partial payments.
