Pensioners Threaten Naked Protest November 24 Over Unpaid Arrears

The Coalition of Federal Pensioners of Nigeria has given the Federal Government until November 23 to pay all outstanding pension arrears and palliative allowances or face a nationwide naked protest on November 24.

National Chairman of the coalition, Mukaila Ogunbote, issued the ultimatum on Tuesday in Lagos, accusing the government of neglecting pensioners despite repeated promises. Ogunbote, who also leads the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NIPOST Chapter), said the planned protest would extend beyond Nigeria, with retirees in the diaspora set to join in solidarity.

He said the government had yet to pay the ₦32,000 approved pension increment arrears and the ₦25,000 palliative allowance promised since 2023. “We were told our arrears would be paid within two weeks of approval, yet nothing has been done. If by November 23 we don’t receive payment, all pensioners nationwide will embark on a naked protest on November 24,” he warned.

Ogunbote appealed to President Bola Tinubu to intervene and direct the Minister of Finance and the Accountant-General to release the funds, noting that many pensioners were dying due to hunger and poor healthcare.

He also criticised the Nigeria Labour Congress for not standing firmly with retirees, urging stronger unity among workers and pensioners.

President of the Civil Service Pensioners, Francis Oluwo, said officials around the president were not carrying out his directives, while Bridget Obieto of the Voice of Nigeria Pensioners Association called on the NLC to use its influence to push for payments.

“We have served this country faithfully for over 35 years. Now that we are old, the government must not abandon us,” Obieto said, appealing to the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, to ensure payment before Christmas.

Elijah Akindutire, former chairman of NIPOST pensioners, urged a massive turnout for the protest to show the government that retirees could no longer endure hardship.