The Coalition of Federal Pensioners of Nigeria has announced plans for a nationwide protest to demand the payment of outstanding pension increment arrears and palliative allowances owed to its members.
Mukaila Ogunbote, the coalition’s National Chairman and also head of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NIPOST Chapter), disclosed the plan in a statement on Friday in Lagos. He said the demonstration is scheduled for December 8 unless the Federal Government settles arrears of N32,000 in pension increments and a N25,000 palliative allowance approved in 2023.
Ogunbote accused the Federal Ministry of Finance and the Accountant General’s Office of ignoring pensioners’ grievances, stressing that members must unite to press for their entitlements. The protest is expected to take place in Abuja, Lagos, and all other states across the country.
He explained that demonstrators will gather at the offices of the Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate and in front of Nigeria Television Authority (NTA) stations. Ogunbote called on all chairmen and secretaries of organisations under the coalition to mobilise their members, highlighting the importance of a collective effort.
“The protest will continue until we receive confirmation of the N32,000 pension increment and N25,000 palliative allowance for six months. Those unable to attend are urged to come with mats. All pensioners must rise and demand their rights,” he said.
