By Ishola Balogun
In A state touted as the economic hub of Nigeria and state of excellence, the Lagos State Government has been accused of neglecting its elderly pensioners. The Nigeria Union of Pensioners, Lagos State Council, has cried out for help, urging Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu to address the lingering issues affecting them in the state.
At the heart of the matter lies the non-implementation of the consequential adjustment ₦32,000 pension increase, which was supposed to take effect in July 2024, following the implementation of the National Minimum Wage Act, 2024. This increase is not just a matter of arithmetic; it represents a lifeline for pensioners struggling to survive in a harsh economic climate.
Their demands include: One, non implementation of #32,000 Pension increases for every Pensioner arising from the implementation of the National Minimum Wage Act, 2024 effective July 2024. Two, non payment of accrued 57 months Pension Arrears resulting from the 2019 Consequential Adjustment implementation. Effective date, April 2019.
Three, non payments of arrears of 20% 5 yearly increase in Pension effective January 2024.
Four, that the NUP under the Defined Benefit Scheme (DBS) is appealing to the State Government to place all its Pensioners in the State Parastatals on the ORACLE among other demands.
In line with section 173 (3) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended, it stipulated that Pensions shall be increased anytime there is increase in wages of workers concomitantly or every five years whichever comes first.
“Our plight”, pensioners narrate ordeal
Rev. Oluremi Johnson, Chairman of the NUP, Lagos chapter, expressed the union’s frustration, stating, “We have made spirited efforts to see the Head of Service, LASPEC DG, but all to no avail. We have made phone calls, written letters, but they continued to avoid us.” This sense of abandonment is palpable, as pensioners feel their voices are being ignored by those in power.
The plight of the elderly in Lagos is a dire one. Rev. Dr. Titus Gregory Aderemi, Vice Chairman of the NUP, painted a vivid picture of the struggles faced by pensioners. “They have messed the old people up. We have suffered. How will a government not take care of the elderly?” He shared his personal story, highlighting the sacrifices he made as a teacher, mentoring students who went on to become presidents and permanent secretaries.
Aderemi’s words are a poignant reminder of the contributions pensioners have made to the state. Yet, their rewards are meager. Many pensioners receive as low as ₦5,000 monthly, an amount that barely covers transportation costs for a day. The removal of subsidies has only exacerbated their woes, as prices skyrocketed, leaving them struggling to make ends meet.
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The Nigeria Union of Pensioners has given the state government a 14-day ultimatum to address their grievances. It remains to be seen whether the government will heed their call. As Aderemi so eloquently put it, “The Bible is clear, ‘Children! Honour your parents. So that you can live long and secondly, so that it can be well with you.’ The government should wake up if they don’t want to have problems.”
The clock is ticking, and the fate of Lagos’ elderly pensioners hangs in the balance. Will the state government rise to the challenge and accede to their demands, or will the government allow these senior citizens to continue to suffer in silence? Only time will tell.
Government reacts
Reacting to the issue, Lagos State Pension Commission, LASPEC, Director- General, Babalola Obilana, noted that as part of present administration’s unrelenting commitment to improve the welfare and well-being of its pensioners, the state Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu had graciously approved a pension review and payment of an increment for pensioners under the defined Benefit Scheme of Lagos State Public Service with effect from January 2025.
Accordingly, the Pension increment entails the application of 28 % and 20 % review in accordance with the categories of pensioners’ grade level.
According to Obilana, “The Lagos State Government acknowledges the concerns raised by the Nigerian Union of Pensioners (NUP) and reaffirms its commitment to the welfare of pensioners as a top priority. This commitment is evident in the numerous social welfare programs designed to support retired civil servants and senior citizens in the state.
“Regarding the alleged lack of engagement, the government, through the LASPEC, has consistently maintained open communication with pensioners and their representatives.
“LASPEC remains available to address grievances and provide clarifications as necessary. If there had been any missed communications, the government is willing to reinforce appropriate channels for dialogue.”
Obilana added, “In response to the Federal Government’s 2024 circular on the ‘Consequential Adjustment in Pension Arising from the Implementation of the National Minimum Wage,’ the Lagos State Government approved a pension increment of 28% for pensioners on Grade Level 17 and 20% for all others.
“Demonstrating its commitment to pensioners’ welfare, the state government implemented this increase in March 2025, even before the official circular was released on April 3, 2025. Additionally, as part of its broader support initiatives, the government had earlier awarded a ₦25,000 wage supplement to all pensioners from December 2023 to February 2024.
“Lastly, the claim that government officials have been blocking access to the governor is unfounded. The governor operates an open-door policy and remains accessible to stakeholders, including pensioners.
“If there have been any administrative delays in scheduling meetings, they were not deliberate. The government remains open to engaging with the NUP on all matters of concern in a constructive and transparent manner.
“The Lagos State Government remains committed to ensuring that pensioners continue to receive the respect, attention, and support they deserve.”