Lagos Pensioners Protest Unpaid ₦32,000 Increase, Accuse Finance Minister
In Lagos, a group of federal pensioners recently protested at the local office of the Pension Transitional Arrangements Directorate (PTAD) to demand the payment of a ₦32,000 pension increase. The increase was approved by President Bola Tinubu. The protesters, who included retirees from agencies like NITEL, MTEL, and the Nigeria Railway Corporation, are seeking a clear timeline for the payment.
The pensioners' protest underscores their severe financial difficulties, as many claim they can barely survive on their current monthly pensions. Mukaila Ogunbote, the chairman of the Coalition of the Federal Pensioners, Lagos Chapter, who led the protest, stated that the ongoing delay has pushed many retirees to a breaking point.
A PTAD liaison officer, Cashmir Audu, addressed the protesters and confirmed that the President had ordered the payment. However, he attributed the delay to a lack of available funds. The protesters are also accusing the Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, of obstructing the payments.
This demonstration is part of a broader, national issue, with pensioners from various sectors and states across Nigeria consistently protesting over similar problems of unpaid benefits and inadequate pensions. The retirees are appealing to the federal government to intervene and resolve their situation.
