Pensioners decry N447 monthly stipends, seek N32,000 minimum pension

The Nigeria Union of Pensioners, Enugu State Council, has urged Governor Peter Mbah to expedite the implementation of a pension review tied to the new National Minimum Wage. The union expressed deep concern that some retirees in the state are subsisting on as little as N447 per month, a situation they find untenable given the state's robust revenue performance.

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We are pleading with the State Government to implement the Minimum Pension review as the Federal Government has done, so that every pensioner will receive an additional ₦32,000.

Enugu State has reported significant financial growth, generating N406.77 billion in internally generated revenue in 2025. This figure represents 80 percent of its N509.9 billion target and a substantial 125 percent increase from the N180.50 billion generated in 2024. The state has projected an ambitious N870 billion IGR target for 2026. Against this backdrop of improved revenue, the pensioners argue that implementing a N32,000 minimum pension is essential.

Such a measure would ensure no retiree earns below this threshold, providing much-needed relief amid soaring inflation and the rising cost of living. The union made this appeal following its local government branch elections in Enugu South Local Government Area. "We are pleading with the State Government to implement the Minimum Pension review as the Federal Government has done, so that every pensioner will receive an additional ₦32,000," stated the union.

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When we cried to the governor about our pathetic situation, he listened to us. From July 2024 till date, primary school and local government pensioners have been receiving their pensions as and when due.

Ikechukwu Ekere, Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners in Enugu State, acknowledged significant improvements in pension administration under the current administration, particularly for retired primary school teachers and local government workers. He noted that before Governor Mbah assumed office, many pensioners faced arrears of up to 27 months, and gratuities remained unpaid for years. However, Ekere identified the non-payment of gratuities as the most pressing challenge. State pensioners have not received gratuities since 2010, while retired local government workers and primary school teachers have been waiting since 2006. The union implored the government to address this backlog, as many retirees have died without receiving their terminal benefits.

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Despite the improvements, Ekere described the non-payment of gratuities as the greatest challenge confronting retirees in the state.