The Coalition of Federal Pensioners of Nigeria has threatened to embark on a nationwide naked protest on November 24 if the Federal Government fails to pay their long-overdue pension arrears and palliative allowances.
The group’s National Chairman, Mukaila Ogunbote, announced the plan during a press conference held in Lagos on Tuesday. Ogunbote, who also heads the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NIPOST Chapter), said the protest would go ahead if the government fails to fulfill its promise of paying the ₦32,000 approved pension increment arrears and the ₦25,000 palliative allowance announced in 2023.
He revealed that Nigerian pensioners living abroad had pledged solidarity with their colleagues in the country and would join the protest virtually, making it a global demonstration of frustration and neglect.
Ogunbote urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene directly by instructing the Minister of Finance and the Accountant-General of the Federation to release the funds immediately.
“We were told our arrears would be paid within two weeks of approval, yet nothing has been done,” he said.
“If by November 23 we don’t receive payment, pensioners nationwide will strip and protest on November 24.”
He lamented that while active workers had received their ₦35,000 palliative, pensioners—who are more vulnerable—had been completely sidelined. According to him, many retirees have died due to poverty and poor medical care.
Ogunbote appealed to the government to pay the arrears before December, saying many retirees could not afford to celebrate Christmas with dignity.
He also criticised the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) for failing to stand firmly with pensioners in their demands, accusing the government of prioritizing other expenses while neglecting the elderly who once served the nation.
Similarly, Francis Oluwo, President of the Civil Service Pensioners Association, said people surrounding President Tinubu were not executing his instructions, leaving pensioners in despair.
“Many of us can hardly afford food or medicine. This naked protest is the only way to get the government’s attention,” he warned.
Mrs. Bridget Obieto, Assistant Secretary of the Voice of Nigeria Pensioners Association, urged the NLC to use its influence to push for payments, adding that pensioners deserve respect and compensation after decades of loyal service.
She appealed to the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, to intervene and ensure payment before Christmas.
In his remarks, Elijah Akindutire, Chairman Emeritus of NUP NIPOST Chapter, called for a massive turnout at the November 24 protest to show unity and determination.
“We are hungry. We can’t feed well or get treatment when sick. Let the government pay us so we can live decently,” he said.
