Pensioners Threaten Protest as FG, Four States Owe N193bn in Unpaid Benefits

Amid rising concerns over delayed pension payments, Nigerian pensioners have issued a warning to the Federal Government and four state governments over a mounting debt of N193 billion in unpaid pensions and gratuities. With months of arrears yet to be addressed, many retired civil servants and their unions are organizing to demand immediate payment, highlighting the hardship and financial strain this prolonged delay has caused for retirees across the country.

Mounting Pension Debt and Unmet Commitments

According to the Nigerian Union of Pensioners (NUP), the debt comprises various unfulfilled pension obligations from both the federal and state governments, including unpaid gratuities and monthly pension arrears. The NUP has accused government entities of neglecting their duty to retirees who served in public offices for decades, calling the situation a breach of trust. They emphasized that pensioners have been unfairly sidelined, even as public officers receive their salaries on time.

Retired civil servants affected by the backlog of payments face significant financial hardships. Many struggle to afford healthcare, housing, and daily essentials due to the lack of steady pension income. NUP representatives stated that a sizeable portion of pensioners affected are elderly and often need special medical care, making the lack of funds especially problematic.

### States Owing Pension Arrears

The N193 billion debt is distributed among the federal government and four states, which the NUP says are notorious for repeatedly delaying pension payments. The affected states include:

– **Abia State**: Accused of owing retirees numerous months of arrears, especially in gratuity payments, despite multiple demands from pensioners.
– **Benue State**: Pensioners in Benue have complained about unpaid arrears spanning over a year, with the local government also reportedly struggling to meet pension obligations.
– **Ekiti State**: Many retirees in Ekiti claim they have been owed for close to a year, with no clear communication on when funds will be disbursed.
– **Osun State**: Pensioners in Osun have also raised alarms, stating that despite promises from local officials, significant arrears remain outstanding.

The NUP has decried these delays, noting that governments appear to prioritize other projects while leaving pensioners to bear the brunt of financial mismanagement. In a recent statement, an NUP spokesperson remarked, “Our pensioners dedicated their lives to serving the nation. They deserve timely payments, not endless promises and delays.”

### Planned Protests and Legal Action

Should the arrears remain unpaid, the NUP is prepared to mobilize thousands of pensioners for a nationwide protest. The union emphasized that the demonstration is not only about securing overdue payments but also about restoring dignity and respect to Nigeria’s elderly population. “We are prepared to occupy key government locations if these debts remain unpaid,” said a union representative. The NUP also hinted at possible legal action if the government continues to ignore its responsibilities.

The decision to protest comes after numerous appeals to the government for swift intervention went unanswered. Union leaders have also criticized the government’s selective allocation of funds, pointing to cases where public funds were used for projects while pension obligations remained unmet.

### Federal Government’s Response

In response to the increasing pressure, a spokesperson for the Federal Ministry of Finance noted that the government is aware of the pension debt issue and is committed to finding a resolution. However, officials also cited budgetary constraints and competing fiscal priorities as reasons for the delayed payments.

The spokesperson added, “We understand the hardships pensioners are facing, and we are working to allocate funds towards pension payments as soon as possible. However, budget allocations are stretched, especially in the current economic climate.”

Despite these assurances, the NUP has expressed skepticism, pointing to similar statements from the government in the past that did not result in timely payments. Union representatives have argued that pension funds should be treated as a priority, as delayed payments amount to a disregard for the law that mandates timely pension disbursement.

### Call for Legislative Reform and Accountability

The growing pension debt crisis has also led to calls for legislative reform to strengthen the enforcement of pension laws. Some stakeholders have suggested implementing stricter penalties for delays in pension payments to discourage non-compliance by government bodies. Others are calling for a dedicated pension fund overseen by an independent body that would ensure that retirees receive payments promptly, irrespective of the state’s financial status.

The NUP has further urged legislators to pressure the states and federal government to prioritize pension obligations in future budgets. Additionally, pension rights advocates have proposed establishing an emergency relief fund for elderly pensioners facing acute financial hardship.

### Impact of Delayed Pensions on Retirees

Delayed pension payments have a severe impact on the well-being of retirees, many of whom have limited income streams and rely on their pensions for basic needs. With the high cost of living in Nigeria, pensioners have reported struggling to meet essential expenses, with some even facing eviction due to unpaid rent. Medical bills are another pressing issue, as older pensioners often have health issues requiring regular treatment that is now unaffordable.

One affected retiree shared, “It’s been months without pay, and I can barely afford my medications. I worked for years with the hope that my pension would support me in retirement. It’s heartbreaking to be abandoned now.” This sentiment reflects the frustration and helplessness felt by many who feel betrayed after years of service to the nation.

Next Steps and Union’s Stand

With pensioners preparing for protests and exploring legal options, the government is under pressure to take swift action. The NUP is calling for a structured payment plan to address the debt backlog and prevent future delays, urging the government to honor its commitments to Nigeria’s retired civil servants.

Should the protests proceed, union representatives hope that the visibility will push officials to act with urgency. Until then, Nigeria’s pensioners remain in a difficult and uncertain position, awaiting a resolution to their long-standing grievances.