Thousands of Nigerian pensioners plan to march on December 8 to demand unpaid allowances and pension increases.
Coalition chairman and head of the NIPOST chapter of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners, Mukaila Ogunbote, said that government ministries had ignored their requests, leaving formal channels ineffective.
Pensioners Marching For Arrears
Consequently, the protest seeks arrears for a ₦32,000 pension increase and a ₦25,000 palliative allowance approved in 2023.
Many pensioners, who are elderly and vulnerable, face severe financial strain because the government has delayed payments for years.
Demonstrations Nationwide
Demonstrations will take place at PTAD offices and NTA stations in Abuja, Lagos, and other state capitals to maximise public attention and accountability.
Ogunbote urged state leaders to mobilise members for a coordinated nationwide protest.
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“We must show the wound that our clothes are covering,” he said, emphasising retirees’ daily struggles.
He added that participants would continue demonstrations until the government confirms payment of the outstanding allowances.
Pensioners who cannot travel long distances should prepare to stay at protest sites for extended periods.
Government Action And Gaps
Meanwhile, the government has taken some steps.
In September, PTAD began implementing new increments under the Defined Benefit Scheme after releasing ₦20.188 billion.
Pensioners received a flat ₦32,000 addition and percentage increases of 10.66% and 12.95%.
Additionally, PenCom reported that over 552,000 retirees under the Contributory Pension Scheme now receive regular monthly payments.
Total pension assets have surpassed ₦25 trillion, reflecting the growing scale of Nigeria’s retirement system.
However, many pensioners remain unpaid and continue to demand urgent government intervention for financial survival.
