Federal Pensioners Threaten Nationwide Naked Protest Over Unpaid Arrears

The Coalition of Federal Pensioners of Nigeria has threatened 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, Mukaila Ogunbote, issued the ultimatum on Tuesday during a press briefing in Lagos, lamenting that the government had failed to honour its promise to pay the ₦32,000 pension increment arrears and the ₦25,000 palliative allowance approved since 2023.

Ogunbote, who also chairs the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NIPOST Chapter), said pensioners in the diaspora had pledged to join the protest from their respective countries, making it a global demonstration of frustration over the government’s neglect.

He appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene and direct the Minister of Finance and the Accountant-General of the Federation to release the funds urgently, noting that many retirees were dying from hardship and lack of medical care.

“We were told that our arrears would be paid within two weeks of approval, yet nothing has been done. If by November 23 we do not receive payment, all pensioners across the country will protest naked on November 24,” Ogunbote warned.

Tinubu Orders Immediate 20% Pension Increase, Free Healthcare For Retirees

He criticised the government for paying workers’ palliative allowances while leaving out pensioners, describing the situation as discriminatory.

“Workers have received the ₦35,000 palliative, but pensioners are still waiting for the ₦25,000 approved for us. We are more vulnerable and deserve equal attention,” he said.

Ogunbote also faulted the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) for not actively supporting pensioners in their struggle, calling for greater solidarity among workers to end what he termed the government’s “systematic neglect” of retirees.

He urged the government to clear the arrears before December to enable pensioners to celebrate Christmas with dignity.

Supporting the call, the President of the Civil Service Pensioners, Francis Oluwo, accused some presidential aides of frustrating Tinubu’s directives, warning that continued inaction could worsen the already dire living conditions of retirees.

“Many pensioners can barely afford food or medication. Those around the President are not implementing his instructions,” Oluwo stated, insisting that the planned protest was necessary to compel action.

Ondo Government Clears ₦12 Billion Gratuity Backlog, Commends Local Councils For Grassroots Development

Similarly, Bridget Obieto, Assistant Secretary of the Voice of Nigeria Pensioners Association, urged the NLC to leverage its influence to press for the payment. She appealed to both President Tinubu and the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, to intervene personally.

“We have served this nation faithfully for over 35 years. The government must not abandon us in old age,” she said.

Also speaking, Elijah Akindutire, Chairman Emeritus of the NIPOST Pensioners, called on retirees nationwide to turn out en masse for the protest to demonstrate their collective resolve.

The coalition warned that if the government continues to ignore their plight, the November 24 protest would proceed as planned, with pensioners across Nigeria and abroad joining in solidarity.