Pensioners in the South West region are protesting unpaid benefits and threatening legal action

Pensioners in the South West region of Nigeria have raised concerns over worsening economic conditions, and blamed the rising cost of living and unpaid entitlements for the worsening of their living difficulties.

Under the umbrella of the Nigerian Association of Pensioners, the retirees say the situation is being exacerbated by global tensions, particularly the ongoing crisis involving the United States and Iran, which they claim has raised energy prices and exacerbated inflation.

They explained that the spike in fuel prices had triggered a devastating impact on transportation and the prices of goods and services, leaving many retirees struggling to survive.

But the group acknowledged the efforts made by Seyi Makinde, and said his approval of ₦10,000 monthly palliative care for workers and retirees was a highlight amid what they described as widespread government inaction.

They lamented that apart from Oyo State, no other state government in the region nor the Federal Government had taken any meaningful steps to alleviate their suffering.

Stemming from their bi-monthly meeting in Abeokuta, Ogun State, the union—through its Public Relations Officer, Dr Olusegun Abatan—warned that it may take legal action against some governors over long-standing unpaid gratuities, some of which date back 15 years.

He said, “The US-Israel war has caused a lot of damage to the global economy, and this has greatly impacted us in Nigeria.

“As I speak, the rate of inflation has skyrocketed as a result of the increase in energy, namely the increase in fuel, which makes it increasingly difficult for many people to earn a living.

Also read: PRESIDENTIAL 2027: Group stage rally in attempt to bring back Jonathan

“Before the Iran war, Nigerians were suffering. We have nothing to enjoy from this government. Our situation is now worsened by the war between Israel and Iran.

“Many countries in the world are finding ways to alleviate the suffering of their citizens, some are even starting to rationalize how workers will go to work and other methods.

“It is unfortunate that the Nigerian government has not yet realized what must be done for the citizens of this country.

“However, we are grateful to Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, who has promised to pay N10,000 monthly to workers and retirees this April for the first three months to mitigate the US/Iran impact.

“And he also promised to resume payments if the war does not subside after three months.”

Abatan added that the union expects similar interventions from other governments, and stressed that retirees deserve immediate support to overcome the current economic reality.

He revealed that the union plans to award Seyi Makinde and Lucky Aiyedatiwa for their contribution to the welfare of retirees in the region.

“For the governors who are looking after the pensioners, we have said at our meeting in Osogbo that we will celebrate at the end of the year, and there are basically two governors in the South West, Seyi Makinde and Lucky Ayedatiwa.

“But for those governors who do not pay attention to us, we also decided to take them to court and fight for our rights.

“We as senior citizens have done it, begged and pleaded with them, but for them, they don’t care whether the pensioner is alive or not. So we will immediately take them to court,” he said.

Pensioners also criticized the current minimum pension of ₦25,000, describing it as woefully inadequate considering the rising cost of living, and urged unions to push for more realistic wages and pension structures.

While they commended Dapo Abiodun for successfully addressing some of the gratuity backlog and supporting the Contributory Pension Scheme, they expressed concern over non-implementation of pension increases approved since 2010 and consequential adjustments in 2019.

Ahead of the 2027 elections, the union is urging retirees and Nigerians to exercise their right to vote to demand accountability from leaders.

He said, “To retirees, and even to citizens who are entering the election season, I want to advise, especially to our retirees, who have not yet received their voter cards, to immediately do this because this is what can be used to expel governors who are not paying attention to you, especially governors who want to do this a second time.

“And for those who have just arrived and will soon go around begging for our votes, let us shine our eyes, tell us their activities, tell us whether they will be good trees that will bear good fruit.

“Let us not elect people we will later regret. I say this to retirees and all citizens of this country.”