The Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP), Lagos State Chapter, has issued a 14-day ultimatum to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, demanding the immediate resolution of outstanding pension entitlements.
Speaking at a press conference in Lagos on Wednesday, the pensioners expressed frustration over the government’s failure to implement the N32,000 pension increase, which was expected to take effect in July 2024 under the National Minimum Wage Act. They also decried the non-payment of 57 months of accrued arrears from the 2019 Consequential Adjustment.
Chairman of the union, Rev. Oluremi Johnson, criticized the government’s lack of response despite repeated efforts to engage key officials, including the Head of Service and the Director-General of the Lagos State Pension Commission (LASPEC).
Johnson stated, “We have made spirited attempts to meet with the Head of Service and the LASPEC Director-General, but all to no avail. We have called, written letters, and followed due process, yet they continue to ignore us,”
The pensioners are also demanding the immediate payment of arrears from the 20% five-yearly pension increase, which became effective in January 2024, as well as the inclusion of all pensioners from state parastatals on the ORACLE payment platform.
Vice Chairman of the union, Rev. Dr. Titus Gregory Aderemi, expressed deep concern over the deteriorating welfare of elderly pensioners, many of whom receive as little as N5,000 monthly, an amount he described as grossly inadequate given the skyrocketing cost of living.
“They have messed the old people up. We have suffered. How will a government not take care of the elderly?” Aderemi lamented.
Reflecting on his personal contributions, the 83-year-old retired teacher decried the state’s treatment of its senior citizens:
“I have spent decades shaping the lives of leaders in this country. Yet, we are left to struggle in our old age. Where is the justice?”
Aderemi also cited the rising cost of living following the removal of fuel subsidies, which has worsened the financial hardship of pensioners whose benefits remain stagnant despite the country’s economic crisis.
With the 14-day ultimatum in place, the pensioners have vowed to escalate their actions if the government fails to meet their demands.
Johnson urged Governor Sanwo-Olu to take immediate steps to resolve these issues, stressing that pensioners deserve dignity, not neglect.
“We are senior citizens, and we don’t want to become senior miscreants. We appeal to the governor to come to our aid by approving all our entitlements.” he added.
