The Coalition of Federal Pensioners of Nigeria has threatened to embark on a nationwide naked protest on Nov. 24 if the Federal Government fails to pay their outstanding pension increment arrears and palliative allowances.
The coalition’s National Chairman, Mr. Mukaila Ogunbote, made the disclosure at a news conference on Tuesday in Lagos.
Ogunbote, who also chairs the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NIPOST Chapter), said the protest would hold should the government fail to pay the N32,000 approved pension increment arrears and the N25,000 palliative allowance promised since 2023.
He said pensioners in the diaspora had expressed solidarity with their counterparts in Nigeria and would join the demonstration from their respective countries, making it a global protest.
“We were told our arrears would be paid within two weeks of approval, yet nothing has been done. If by Nov. 23 we do not receive payment, all pensioners nationwide will embark on a naked protest on Nov. 24,” Ogunbote said.
He lamented that while workers had received their N35,000 palliative, pensioners were yet to be paid theirs.
“Workers received their allowances in a month, but up till now, pensioners have not been paid the N25,000 approved for us. We are more vulnerable than anyone else,” he said.
The pensioners appealed to President Bola Tinubu to intervene and direct the Minister of Finance and the Accountant-General of the Federation to release the funds.
According to Ogunbote, many retirees have died, while others are suffering due to hardship, poor feeding, and lack of access to medical care.
He urged the government to pay the arrears before December to enable pensioners prepare for the festive season.
Also speaking, President of the Civil Service Pensioners, Mr. Francis Oluwo, accused some government officials of not executing the President’s directives.
He called on the Federal Government to act swiftly, saying many retirees were in poor health conditions and could barely afford medication or food.
Mrs. Bridget Obieto, Assistant Secretary of the Voice of Nigeria Pensioners Association, urged the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to use its influence to push for the payment of pensioners’ entitlements.
“We have served this country faithfully for over 35 years. Now that we are old, the government must not abandon us,” she said.
She appealed to President Tinubu and the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, to ensure the payment of arrears before December “to enable us celebrate the festive season with dignity.”
Mr. Elijah Akindutire, Chairman Emeritus of the NIPOST Pensioners, called for a large turnout at the Nov. 24 protest to demonstrate pensioners’ resolve.
He said the protest was necessary to draw attention to the plight of retired workers who had served the nation diligently.
