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Federal pensioners enrolled in the Contributory Pension Scheme have formally reached out to the Coordinating Minister of Finance and National Economy, Wale Edun, urging the government to disburse the accrued gratuities owed to them. These payments, which have been pending since March 2023, are now due for release through November 2024.
On the heels of their peaceful protest at the Ministry of Finance on November 12, 2024, the pensioners commended the minister for his “mature and civilised” approach to their grievances. Nevertheless, they expressed disappointment that their pensions remain unpaid, despite prior assurances from the government.
The pensioners are seeking the immediate release of the outstanding 21 months of accumulated rights owed to retired public servants, covering the period from March 2023 to November 2024.Additionally, the pensioners are requesting the release of unpaid pension increments, which include a 15% increase from 2007, a 33% rise from 2010, and a 20-28% adjustment from 2024.
The pensioners have urged the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency in the Contributory Pension Scheme sector and take swift action to settle all outstanding government liabilities by December 16, 2024.
The pensioners’ union leadership stated that they had the mandate of their members nationwide to take this action, and they would not back down until their demands were met.
“From 12 pm on the 16th of December, 2024 all CPS retirees nationwide will make the Federal Ministry of Finance and the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation at Abuja their homes until the government is ready to meet their demands.
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“We call on the Federal Government of Nigeria to declare a state of emergency in the Contributory Pension Scheme and to take immediate steps to clear all government’s liabilities in this sector before 16th December, 2024, if the Federal Government would not want the whole world to watch Nigerian retired senior citizens under the Contributory Pension Scheme to turn the Federal Ministry of Finance and the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation at Abuja as their homes until the government is ready to meet their demands.
“Our main demands include: immediate release of all the outstanding 21 months of accrued rights to retired public workers from March 2023 to November 2024; payments of all the unpaid pension increments; 15 per cent pension increase in 2007; 33 per cent pension increase in 2010; Consequential pension adjustment in 2019 following the increase in the national minimum wage and 20 per cent to 28 per cent pension increase in 2024.”
