The Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP), Ogun State Council, has appealed to Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun to release outstanding gratuities from January 2021 to June 2025 and approve consequential pension increases for long-standing retirees. This appeal was made by the State Chairman of the Union, Comrade Waheed Oloyede, at the 2026 Pensioners Day Celebration held in Abeokuta. The Union commended the Abiodun administration for its efforts to support senior citizens.
Comrade Oloyede stated that the release of the outstanding gratuities would bring hope to expectant members, while the approval of consequential pension increases would address the plight of retirees who have not received a review in their pensions despite the rising cost of living. Many pensioners still earn as low as N30,000 monthly, despite skyrocketing costs of essential goods and services.
The NUP chairman drew attention to the non-implementation of consequential increases in pensions arising from the 2019 Federal Government circular and the recent National Minimum Wage increases. He lamented that many members who retired 10 to 30 years ago still earn low monthly pensions, resulting in serious health challenges and untimely deaths.
Oloyede expressed deep appreciation to Governor Abiodun for the prompt and regular payment of monthly pensions, noting that unlike many states, Ogun pensioners now receive pensions as and when due. He also commended the administration for releasing the backlog of gratuity owed by previous administrations up to December 2020 for state retirees and December 2021 for local government retirees.
The Union chairman appreciated the free Health Insurance Scheme for state and local government pensioners but noted misgivings and complaints about its implementation at health facilities. He urged the supervising agency to look into the issues. In his goodwill message, the Ogun NLC Chairman, Comrade Hameed Ademola-Benco, appreciated the state governor for his efforts and urged him to address the retirees' grievances.
Governor Dapo Abiodun, represented by the Head of Service, Mr Olaranwaju Saka, responded that the administration is already looking into the retirees' demands and would continue to honour its obligations. He assured retirees that the government would deploy available resources to address outstanding retirement benefits.
The Nigeria Union of Pensioners emphasized that the approval of the adjustment would bring relief, ensure parity, and enhance the welfare of senior citizens. The Union's appeal is aimed at improving the living standards of retirees in Ogun State, who have been facing financial difficulties.
Key points
- The Nigeria Union of Pensioners appeals to Governor Dapo Abiodun to release outstanding gratuities and approve pension increase.
- Ogun State pensioners have been receiving prompt and regular monthly pensions under the Abiodun administration.
- The Union commended the Abiodun administration for releasing the backlog of gratuity owed by previous administrations.
