The Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP) in Lagos State has issued a stern 14-day ultimatum to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, demanding immediate intervention in the lingering issues affecting pensioners across the state.
At a press conference held in Lagos on Wednesday, the union, representing pensioners under the Defined Benefit Scheme (DBS), expressed their mounting frustrations over unfulfilled promises and prolonged neglect. The pensioners are demanding the urgent implementation of a N32,000 pension increase and the payment of 57 months’ accrued pension arrears from the 2019 Consequential Adjustment.
Speaking on behalf of the pensioners, Rev. Oluremi Johnson, Chairman of the NUP Lagos chapter, voiced his disappointment with the government’s apparent indifference to the plight of elderly citizens who served the state with unwavering commitment.
“We have made spirited efforts to meet with the Head of Service and the Director General of the Lagos State Pension Commission (LASPEC), but all to no avail. We’ve called, written letters, but they continue to avoid us,” Johnson lamented.
The union is particularly aggrieved by the failure to implement the promised N32,000 pension increase, which was expected to take effect in July 2024 following the enactment of the National Minimum Wage Act. Despite assurances, the government has remained silent on the matter, leaving pensioners struggling to survive on meager allowances.
The pensioners also demanded the payment of arrears of the 20% five-yearly pension increase, which became effective in January 2024, alongside the inclusion of all pensioners from state parastatals onto the ORACLE platform to streamline payments and eliminate discrepancies.
Rev. Dr. Titus Gregory Aderemi, Vice Chairman of the NUP, expressed profound dismay at the government’s neglect of its senior citizens. With a deep sense of frustration, Aderemi revealed his personal struggle as an elderly pensioner who once served the state as a teacher, contributing to the growth and success of many leaders.
“By November, I will be 83 years old. I have labored as a teacher, contributing to the careers of many leaders. Yet, we have suffered,” Aderemi stated with a weary voice.
He added that many pensioners are surviving on as little as N5,000 monthly, which he described as grossly insufficient in the face of rising living costs, exacerbated by the removal of fuel subsidies.
According to Aderemi, the removal of the fuel subsidy has worsened the economic hardship faced by pensioners, making it increasingly difficult for them to afford basic necessities. He questioned the government’s priorities and urged the governor to reconsider the plight of those who had dedicated their lives to the service of Lagos State.
“They have messed the old people up. We have suffered. How will a government not take care of the elderly?” Aderemi queried.
Many pensioners at the press conference shared similar sentiments, describing how they have been neglected despite their years of diligent service. They called on the Lagos State government to honor their commitments and treat pensioners with dignity and respect.
The union emphasized that pensioners are prepared to take further action if their demands are not met within the given 14-day period. While they stopped short of detailing the nature of the proposed actions, the tension and frustration among members were palpable.
Rev. Johnson concluded by appealing to Governor Sanwo-Olu’s sense of responsibility and humanity, stating, “We are senior citizens, and we don’t want to become senior miscreants. We appeal to the governor to come to our aid by approving all our entitlements.”
The NUP urged the Lagos State government to act swiftly, not only to fulfill its obligations but also to demonstrate respect for the elderly and uphold the state’s reputation as a Centre of Excellence.
As the ultimatum looms, pensioners across Lagos remain hopeful that their voices will be heard and that the government will take decisive action to resolve their longstanding grievances.
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