Pensioners in Nigeria’s South-West Zone are lamenting the government’s failure. The government has not implemented the N32,000 pension increase across the board. President Bola Tinubu directed this in September 2024. This directive was meant to ensure pensioners benefited from the new minimum wage of N70,000.
The Nigeria Union of Pensioners, South-West Zone, is a leader in advocating for pensioners’ welfare in the region. The union has been pushing for the implementation hike of the N32,000 pension increase. This increase was promised by the federal government.
Dr. Olusegun Abatan is the Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners, South-West Zone. He noted that only Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State partially implemented this pension increase. The governor paid N17,500. Abatan praised Makinde’s administration. It prioritized pension payments. The administration implemented the 33% pension increase of 2020. They also implemented the 20% pension increase of January 2024.
The non-implementation of the N32,000 pension increase has had a devastating impact on pensioners in the South-West Zone. Many pensioners are struggling to make ends meet. Some are forced to rely on their children or relatives for financial support.
The Nigeria Union of Pensioners, South-West Zone, is demanding immediate action. They want the federal government and state governments in the region to implement the N32,000 pension increase. The union is also calling for the payment of outstanding pension arrears. They urge for the implementation of the consequential adjustments to pension payments.
The failure to implement the N32,000 pension increase clearly shows the government lacks commitment to the welfare of pensioners. The Nigeria Union of Pensioners, South-West Zone, will keep advocating for pensioners’ rights. They will push for the N32,000 pension increase.