By Ishola Balogun
Lagos – The Lagos State Pension Commission (LASPEC) is facing mounting pressure from Nigeria Union of Pensioners, NUP, Lagos council who are expressing their dissatisfaction over the delay in implementing the 2019 Minimum Wage Act and demanding immediate action to address outstanding arrears. Mr Caleb Olarewaju, Rtd Principal, Oriwu College, Ikorodu and Chairman, NUP Teacher’s Pensioner’s Branch argued that the establishment of LASPEC should prioritize their welfare, particularly the timely payment of pensions.
The pensioners was reacting to the response of the Lagos State Pension Commission, LASPEC, Director- General, Babalola Obilana, who said recently that 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, and that its doors were open for engagement.
Reacting to LASPEC statement Tuesday in Lagos, the Chairman of Teachers Pensioners, Mr Olarewaju said: “Despite the Minimum Wage Act being promulgated on April 1, 2019, LASPEC did not implement it until early 2024. As of now, pensioners have only received payments for January, February, and March 2024—the 58th, 59th, and 60th months, respectively, within the five-year period from April 2019 to March 2024. This has resulted in a backlog of unpaid benefits for the preceding 57 months, raising concerns among elderly residents relying on these funds.
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Prince Tayo Adegoke, NUP State PRO in his comment said: “If the Governor is truly operating an open-door policy, as proclaimed by DG Mr. Obilana, then some people are intentionally blocking us from seeing him,” one pensioner stated, referencing their failed attempts to present a gift to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu in 2022.
“We are not ingrates. We appreciate our Governor for the constant payment of our monthly pensions. He is our son and brother,” the pensioner continued. “But we request our constitutional rights; we should not be treated as second-class citizens.
Our consequential adjustment should be implemented alongside those of the working staff.”
Adding to their troubles, pensioners criticized the recent six-month verification exercise. They noted that if a pensioner fails to appear, their payments are halted for another six months. “This can be seen as a wicked act to frustrate senior citizens, which could send them to an early grave,” they said.
They stressed the need for LASPEC to revert to the previous verification system, which allowed for immediate re-instatement of payments upon a pensioner’s return to the office.
“Those at the helm of affairs should stop dribbling us and never treat us like beggars again. Regarding the six-month verification exercise, we have observed that the system in place is not palatable for elderly senior citizens. If a pensioner fails to appear during the exercise, their payment would be stopped until another six months when the exercise takes place.
“As far as we are concerned, this can be seen as a wicked act to frustrate senior citizens, which could send them to an early grave. LASPEC should revert to the old system when DBS pensioners were under the CSPO. When a pensioner failed to appear during a verification exercise, they would be captured and their payment would continue instantly once they reported to the office. Don’t treat us as beggars anymore.”
We’ve consistently maintained open communication with pensioners —LASPEC
LASPEC, Director- General, Babalola Obilana, recently said “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.