Lagos pensioners protest, demand payment increase by Aug 31

Hundreds of Lagos State pensioners marched through the city on Monday, initiating a warning protest over the delayed implementation of a pension increase. Members of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners, Contributory Pension Scheme, expressed frustration with the state government and the Lagos State Pension Commission for not acting on the approved adjustment.

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What brought about today’s warning protest is to give the government an ultimatum: if we do not get a response by August 31, there will be a mega protest.

The protesters voiced concerns that the delay could extend beyond the current administration, leaving elderly retirees to continue struggling with the rising cost of living. Olagbaye Johnson, the union's secretary, stated that the demonstration served as a final ultimatum to the government. "What brought about today’s warning protest is to give the government an ultimatum: if we do not get a response by August 31, there will be a mega protest," Johnson told The PUNCH.

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We have been suffering, and President Bola Tinubu approved N758bn for contributory pensioners at the federal level. Whatever happens at the federal level should also happen at the state level because the Contributory Pension Act is exclusive.

Pensioners are seeking parity with federal retirees, citing President Bola Tinubu's approval of N758 billion for contributory pensioners at the federal level. They argue that the Contributory Pension Act is exclusive, meaning state-level benefits should align with federal decisions. Pensioners reported previous engagements with the Governor's Office, where they were assured that Lagos would implement the increase if the federal government did.

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We met with the Governor’s Office and briefed them on the latest development. We were told that if the Federal Government pays the increase, Lagos State will also pay.

According to Johnson, the pensioners submitted the federal government's template to the state's Head of Service and the pension commission leadership after actuarial valuators completed their work in May. However, he noted significant "foot-dragging" since then. The union also fears the issue might be inherited by a new administration after the 2027 general election if not resolved promptly. Pensioners have mobilized across Lagos's 26 zones, preparing for a larger demonstration if their demands are not met.

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Actuarial valuators completed their work in May this year, and since then, there has been foot-dragging. We have been going to the Head of Service, Mr Agoro, and the Governor’s Office, but our people are dying.