Pensioners in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have voiced frustration over the prolonged delay in receiving their pension arrears, despite assurances from the Federal Government.
President Bola Tinubu had earlier approved a ₦758 billion Treasury bond in February, ratified by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) to clear longstanding liabilities under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS). The National Assembly gave its approval for implementation on 22 July.
The bond is intended to settle decades-old pension obligations and adjust payments to reflect current economic realities. Pensioners, however, say the delay is causing hardship and calling for prompt disbursement.
Hajiya Amina Lawal, speaking to journalists, described the situation as dire. “Even some workers can barely afford three meals a day; for pensioners it is even harder.
“We were happy when the president announced we would be paid, but we did not know the process would take this long. Many of us have died waiting. We are pleading for swift implementation; we are too old to be left struggling,” she said.
Mr George Ose recounted the toll on his family: “My family and I are hungry. I can’t pay my children’s school fees. My landlord is pressuring me and I no longer have access to the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).
“I need urgent medical care. Pensioners in this country are suffering. If I had known I would suffer like this, I would not have given my all in service.”
Mrs Joy Adewale, who retired with her husband in 2016, described years of financial struggle.
“We can barely feed on the little we receive. My husband and I served our nation for 35 years. I opened a shop after retirement, but it was demolished by the government.
“This amount cannot cover food, medical bills and other basic needs. Some of us have given up; my neighbour, who retired two years ago, died two months back. People look down on us simply because we are retirees.”
She added that her efforts to continue business failed. “When my shop was demolished, I sought support from the company I supplied, but they refused me credit. Even my bank denied me a loan because I am a retiree.
“I have no one to turn to; only God sustains my family. I appeal to the government to pay what we are owed while we are still alive. I pray for the souls of our departed colleagues and that those of us still here live to enjoy the fruits of our labour.”
Mrs Nkiru Offor, who retired in 2019, said her payments had been regular since 2021 but remained inadequate.
“Losing NHIS coverage has been a major challenge. I now bear the full cost of tests and medication. It is difficult to register for private health insurance, and even when I tried, my payments were delayed for months, leaving me without affordable healthcare.”
Mr Evans Ubah made a heartfelt appeal to the authorities. “I cannot feed myself. Look at the harsh economy. Every year we hear that pension fund assets have grown, yet pensioners remain unpaid.
“Our constitution states that salaries and pensions should increase every five years, but that is not happening. We need our arrears to start small businesses and regain our dignity.”
