The Coalition of Federal Pensioners of Nigeria has issued a warning to embark on a nationwide naked protest on November 24 if the Federal Government fails to settle their outstanding pension increment arrears and palliative allowances.
The coalition’s National Chairman, Mr. Mukaila Ogunbote, disclosed this during a press briefing in Lagos on Tuesday. Ogunbote, who also chairs the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NIPOST Chapter), said the protest would proceed if the government fails to fulfill its promise of paying the N32,000 approved pension increment arrears and the N25,000 palliative allowance, both approved since 2023.
According to him, pensioners in the diaspora have pledged solidarity with their counterparts in Nigeria and will participate in the protest from their respective countries, making it not just a national, but a global demonstration.
Ogunbote appealed to President Bola Tinubu to intervene by directing the Minister of Finance and the Accountant-General of the Federation to release the long-awaited funds.
He lamented that many pensioners have died, while others are facing severe hardship due to lack of payment, poor nutrition, and inability to afford medical treatment.
“We were told our arrears would be paid within two weeks after the approval, yet nothing has been done. If by November 23 we do not receive payment, all pensioners across the country will embark on a naked protest on November 24,” Ogunbote warned.
He further decried the government’s neglect, noting that while workers have received their N35,000 palliative, pensioners are yet to get theirs.
“Workers received the N35,000 palliative 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.
Ogunbote urged the government to ensure payment before December so pensioners can prepare adequately for the Christmas season.
He also criticized the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) for not offering enough support to pensioners in their struggle for justice and called for greater unity among workers to confront what he described as government’s misplaced priorities.
Ogunbote concluded by urging the Minister of Finance and the Accountant-General to urgently release the owed funds, stressing that many retirees are suffering and struggling to survive.
