Pensioners Rally in Lagos, Seek FG’s Intervention Over Unpaid Entitlements

Former employees of the defunct Nigeria Arab Bank (NAB) and Assurance Bank Nigeria Ltd (ABN) on Tuesday took their protest to Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos, demanding the immediate payment of billions of naira in outstanding pension arrears and gratuities allegedly owed them by the Federal Government.

The pensioners converged on the historic Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS) in Lagos on Tuesday, carrying placards and chanting solidarity songs as they demanded the immediate release of billions of naira they claim are owed to them.

The demonstrators said many of their members have endured severe economic hardship due to the prolonged delay in the payment of their retirement benefits, with some reportedly battling health challenges and deteriorating living conditions.

Speaking during the protest, representatives of the retirees appealed directly to President Bola Tinubu and relevant government agencies to intervene and ensure the settlement of all outstanding pension obligations without further delay.

The retirees accused authorities of subjecting them to discriminatory treatment compared to pensioners from other government agencies and parastatals whose benefits, they claimed, have largely been settled.

According to them, despite repeated appeals, engagements and previous demonstrations, a substantial portion of their entitlements remains unpaid, leaving many former workers struggling to survive amid rising living costs and economic pressures.

The protesters argued that pension benefits are earned rights rather than privileges, stressing that workers who dedicated decades of service to the nation deserve dignity and financial security in retirement.

Many of the pensioners displayed banners calling for justice, transparency and urgent action, while urging the government to honour commitments made to them regarding the payment of pension arrears and gratuities.

Some retirees lamented that several of their colleagues had died while awaiting the settlement of their benefits, describing the situation as both painful and unacceptable.

As of the time of filing this report, there was no official response from the Federal Government regarding the demands raised by the protesters. However, the retirees vowed to continue lawful advocacy and engagement until all outstanding obligations are fully settled.