Pensioners Set November 24 Naked Protest Over Unpaid Arrears and Allowances

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

National Chairman Mukaila Ogunbote, who also heads the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NIPOST Chapter), made the announcement at a news conference in Lagos on Tuesday. He said the protest would proceed if the Federal Government does not fulfill its promise to pay the N32,000 pension increment arrears and the N25,000 palliative allowance approved since 2023.

Ogunbote noted that pensioners living abroad have pledged to support their Nigerian counterparts, making the protest a global demonstration. He appealed to President Bola Tinubu to intervene and instruct the Minister of Finance and the Accountant-General of the Federation to release the overdue funds.

“The arrears were supposed to be paid within two weeks of approval, but nothing has happened. If payment is not made by November 23, all pensioners across the country will take part in a naked protest on November 24,” Ogunbote said.

He highlighted the disparity between workers and retirees, pointing out that while workers received the N35,000 palliative allowance, pensioners are yet to get the N25,000 approved for them. “We are more vulnerable than anyone else. We are appealing to President Bola Tinubu to intervene,” he added.

Ogunbote urged the government to settle the arrears before December to allow retirees to prepare for Christmas. He also criticized the Nigeria Labour Congress for not actively supporting pensioners and called for unity among workers to address government neglect.

Francis Oluwo, President of the Civil Service Pensioners, accused officials close to the President of failing to implement directives and stressed that many retirees are struggling with poor health and inadequate access to food and medication. He described the naked protest as necessary to pressure the government to act.

Bridget Obieto, Assistant Secretary of the Voice of Nigeria Pensioners Association, called on the NLC to leverage its influence to ensure retirees receive their dues. She urged the President and First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, to prioritize pensioners’ welfare so they can enjoy the festive season with dignity.

Elijah Akindutire, Chairman Emeritus of NIPOST Pensioners, also appealed for the release of arrears, emphasizing that pensioners need the funds for basic living needs. He encouraged a strong turnout for the November 24 protest to demonstrate retirees’ resolve.