Thousands of Nigerian retirees are languishing in poverty as 28 state governments reportedly owe a combined ₦626.81 billion in unpaid pensions and gratuities. The arrears, spanning several years, have left many former civil servants struggling to pay for basic needs, including medical care, housing, and daily sustenance.
Interviews with affected pensioners reveal heart-wrenching stories. Some retirees have faced eviction for unpaid rent, while others have been forced to rely on children or relatives for survival. There have even been reported cases of deaths linked to the financial stress caused by the non-payment of pensions.
Labour unions have condemned the states for neglecting their moral and legal obligations, accusing governments of prioritising political projects over the welfare of retired workers who dedicated decades of service to public administration. The unions are calling for urgent reforms, including the adoption of contributory pension schemes and increased transparency in the administration of retirement benefits.
Analysts say the ballooning pension debt reflects poor fiscal management, declining internally generated revenue, and over-reliance on federal allocations, especially in states facing economic challenges. “This is a ticking time bomb,” said one financial expert. “If not addressed, it will worsen poverty among elderly citizens and increase pressure on social welfare programs.”
The National Pension Commission (PenCom) has repeatedly urged state governments to prioritise pension payments, but progress has been slow. Advocates argue that sustained advocacy and stricter enforcement of pension regulations are necessary to ensure retirees receive their entitlements.
As the pension crisis deepens, retirees remain in a precarious situation, relying on public attention and governmental action to secure the benefits they are legally and morally owed. For many, the dream of a secure and dignified retirement remains just that a dream.
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