APC Chieftain Oyintiloye Urges Tinubu to Address Pensioners’ Plight

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State, Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, has called on President Bola Tinubu to address the challenges faced by contributory pensioners across the country.

Speaking with journalists on Tuesday in Osogbo, Oyintiloye lamented the hardships endured by pensioners due to delayed or non-payment of pensions, inadequate funding, and corruption within the pension scheme.

The former lawmaker noted that since the enactment of the Pensions Reform Act (PRA) in 2004, which introduced the contributory pension scheme, many pensioners have been unfairly treated by previous administrations.

He decried the fact that, years after retirement, many pensioners still struggle to access their gratuities, with some receiving only 25 to 50 percent of their lump-sum savings.

Oyintiloye expressed concerns over the growing financial insecurity among retirees, stating that the non-payment or delay in pension benefits has subjected many former civil servants to extreme hardship, illness, and even untimely death.

While commending President Tinubu for approving a ₦758 billion bond in February to clear 16 years of pension liabilities, Oyintiloye insisted that more needs to be done to safeguard retirees from post-retirement poverty.

He urged the President to collaborate with the National Assembly to review the 2004 Pensions Reform Act, advocating for pensioners to be allowed to withdraw their full retirement savings upon exit from service.

He also called for free healthcare access for retirees aged 65 and above.

“This will enable retirees to cater to their needs and invest in any business of their choice, rather than relying on insufficient monthly pensions,” he said.

Oyintiloye warned that the financial struggles faced by ex-workers could demoralize those still in service, potentially leading to corrupt practices.

“I appeal to the President to review the 2004 Pension Act to ensure pensioners live a decent life after retirement.

Due to delayed payments, many retirees cannot afford decent meals, healthcare, or housing, despite dedicating their productive years to national service,” he stated.

He further emphasized that many retirees, despite their old age, still have dependents relying on them.

“That is why I am pleading with President Bola Tinubu to intervene.

He has demonstrated the capacity to resolve critical issues, and his intervention will bring much-needed relief to pensioners while restoring hope among active civil servants,” Oyintiloye added.