The Coalition of Federal Pensioners of Nigeria has threatened a nationwide naked protest on November 24 if the government fails to pay their outstanding pension increment arrears and palliative allowances.

The coalition’s National Chairman, Mr. Mukaila Ogunbote, announced this while briefing newsmen in Lagos yesterday.

Ogunbote, who also serves as the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners, NIPOST Chapter, stated that the protest would proceed if the Federal Government does not fulfill its promise of paying the N32,000 approved pension increment arrears and the N25,000 palliative allowance that were approved since 2023.

The chairman noted that pensioners in the diaspora have identified with the retirees in Nigeria and would join the demonstration from their various countries, making it not just a nationwide, but a worldwide protest. He appealed directly to President Bola Tinubu to intervene and direct the Minister of Finance and the Accountant-General of the Federation to immediately release the funds.

Ogunbote lamented that many pensioners have died and many more are currently dying due to severe hardship, as they are unable to feed well or receive good medical treatment when ill.

He recalled the government’s initial timeline, stating, “We were told that our arrears would be paid within two weeks of the approval, yet nothing has been done.”

He then issued the ultimatum, declaring, “If by November 23, we do not receive payment, all pensioners nationwide will embark on a naked protest on November 24.”
Ogunbote lamented the disparity in payment, noting that while workers have received their allowances, pensioners were left out.

He highlighted this by saying, “Workers received the N35,000 palliative in a month, but up till now, pensioners have not been paid the N25,000 approved for us. We are more vulnerable than anyone else.”

He also reiterated his plea to the highest office, stating, “We are appealing to President Ahmed to intervene in the matter.” The chairman further appealed to the government to ensure the owed money is paid before December, enabling them to prepare for the Christmas celebration.

The chairman criticised the Nigerian Labour Congress for not supporting the pensioners more actively in their request for these payments. He also called for unity among workers to address the injustices perpetrated by the government, adding that the government prioritises payments for other purposes while neglecting the pensioners.

He concluded by making a final appeal to the Minister of Finance and the Accountant General to release the owed funds urgently, stressing that many pensioners are struggling to survive.