Pensioners in Ogun State, on Tuesday, cried out over the delay in the implementation of the long awaited Consequential Adjustments in Pensions, CAP, calling on the state government to look into their plight.
The senior citizens under the aegis of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners, NUP, lamented that while mainstream workers have been enjoying various wages increase since year 2020, the retirees have been left to struggle to survive amidst high cost of living, numerous health issues, and the soaring food and drugs prices.
Expressing their concerns during the 2025 Pensioners Day Celebration, held at the NUP secretariat Leme, Abeokuta, Ogun State, the NUP Chairman, Waidi Oloyede, stated that the although the state had set up a pension review committee in 2022,”nothing has been heard from the committee”.
Oloyede asserted that despite the Federal government circular on consequential adjustments on pension in 2019, the retirees have been left to depend on meagre monthly pension.
He said, “The long pause or should we refer to it as sudden halt in the progression of activities towards the actualization of the much and long awaited Consequential Review of Pensions of the long Standing Pensioners has greatly agitated the minds of the affected.
“The paltry pensions being paid is nothing to write home about in the wake of the present harsh economic situation. The vulnerable aged is ravaged by various attendant health challenges, whereas the cost of food and drugs continue to soar higher and higher on a daily basis, making it out of reach to many, resulting in imminent deaths every moment”.
Speaking on the theme for the year’s celebrations, “Empowering Pensioners, Empowering Communities”, Oloyede insisted that empowering pensioners, involve providing them with the support and resources they need to live fulfilling and dignified lives.
He bemoaned that after retirement, they receive little or no recognition and gratitude from the government and the people, despite giving up their natural and personal human resources for the country.
The chairman called for the provision of free or affordable healthcare services, establishment of counseling services and home care assistance, to address physical and emotional needs, saying “when we are empowered, we can enhance our overall well-being, promote dignity and contribute to our communities in meaningful ways”.
Comrade Hammed Benco, the state chairman for the Nigeria Labour Congress, in his address said the challenges facing pensioners are numerous, pledging to work closely with them to ensure their sacrifices are not in vain, and urged all levels of government to keep their commitments to the elderly who have dedicated their lives to serving the nation.
Meanwhile, the Permanent Secretary Bureau of State Pension, Arinola Adetayo, assured the retirees that their welfare is not taken for granted and efforts are ongoing to ensure sustainable pension reforms to make life easier for them.
“Your welfare is not taken for granted, the government has not defaulted on the monthly payment and this shows our committed to your welfare.
“We are aware of your concerns and have continued to work towards sustainable pension reforms to make life easier for the retirees. I urged you all to continue to support the elderly, they have worked, served the state and the nation during their youthful days and it’s time to enjoy the fruit of their labour,” she added.
