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Pensioners threaten nationwide protests as Federal Govt,, States owe billion in backlog

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The total pension backlogs owed by federal and state governments have exceeded N193 billion.

While states such as Zamfara, Benue, Kaduna, Kano, and Nasarawa have started to tackle these outstanding payments, the Federal Government still owes over N88 billion in contributory pensions. Moreover, several states are facing pension backlogs that surpass N105 billion.

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Bunmi Ogunkolade, spokesperson for the National Union of Pensioners, confirmed to The PUNCH that the Federal Government still owes N88 billion in accrued rights under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) since March 2023.

The CPS, established by the Pension Reform Act of 2004, mandates joint contributions from employers and employees into a Retirement Savings Account, aimed at creating a more sustainable pension system.

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The initial combined contribution rate was set at 15 percent of an employee’s monthly earnings. An amendment in 2014 raised this minimum to 18 percent and introduced stricter compliance regulations.

Ogunkolade stated, “The total accrued rights for contributory pensioners since March 2023 is N88 billion. This is a debt owed by the government that needs to be resolved.”

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A source from the National Pension Commission, who preferred to remain anonymous, indicated that steps are being taken to address the outstanding payments. They acknowledged the government’s failure to release necessary funds but noted that progress has not yet reached advanced stages. The government is reportedly finalizing processes to facilitate the payments to retirees.

In response to ongoing frustrations over delayed payments, pensioners have organized a rally set for October 23 in Abuja. A letter from the NUP to all state chapters announced this peaceful demonstration, aimed at pressing for the release of funds to cover outstanding payments.

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The rally is scheduled to take place at key locations in Abuja, including the Office of the Accountant-General and the National Assembly.

The letter invited state and sector leaders to support the rally by sending delegates, particularly those who could contribute financially.

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In Zamfara State, Governor Dauda Lawal has made significant strides in settling pension arrears, with N9.3 billion already paid.

His administration began addressing backlog payments in February and has processed payments to both state and local government retirees.

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Zamfara’s government has cleared N4.86 billion in gratuities, benefiting over 2,600 verified pensioners from various retirement years. Meanwhile, N4.497 billion has been paid to local government pensioners.

In Plateau State, the NUP has criticized the government for its failure to address pension and gratuity payments, with union Chairman Yimusa Ishaku expressing disappointment over unfulfilled promises to clear a N30 billion backlog. He noted that many pensioners are owed substantial amounts, with some waiting as long as four years for payments.

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However, the governor’s spokesperson, Gyang Bere, assured that the administration is committed to resolving these issues, explaining that while the N30 billion figure was mentioned, actual funds were not immediately available. A structured plan to allocate funds monthly for pension payments is in place.

In Benue State, pensioners face a staggering N70 billion in arrears from previous administrations. NUP Chairman Mike Vembe emphasized that while the current administration is paying ongoing pensions, it has yet to address the substantial arrears accumulated prior to its term.

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JUST IN; Oyo Governor, Makinde names Olubadan as Chairman Oyo Council of Obas

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JUST IN; Oyo Governor, Makinde names Olubadan as Chairman Oyo Council of Obas

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has inaugurated the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs, declaring that the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, will be heading the council for a period of 2 years.

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The declaration follows the passing of the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs (Further Amendments) Bill, 2025, by the state House of Assembly, and the signing of the same into law by the governor.

Recall that the lawmakers had amended Clause 5 of Section 28 of the Chieftaincy Law to make the Council chairmanship rotational among the Alaafin of Oyo, the Soun of Ogbomoso, and the Olubadan of Ibadanland.

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While inaugurating the Council, Governor Makinde said he had consulted with the trio of the Alaafin, the Olubadan and the Soun, with the three of them reaching a consensus that the chairmanship should start with the Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty Oba Rashidi Ladoja.

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NPF committed to community policing, says IGP Egbetokun

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NPF committed to community policing, says IGP Egbetokun

The Inspector General of Police (I-GP), Dr Kayode Egbetokun, has assured that the police remained committed to community policing to ensure that criminals were drastically reduced in the country.
The I-GP, who was represented by the Assistant Inspector of Police ( AIG) Zone 17, Dr Ajani Musibau, stated this at the Police Community Relations Committee ( PCRC) National Leadership Training and Conference on Thursday in Akure.
The theme of the conference is: “Inclusivity and Diversity: the New Leadership Paradigm.”
He said that security could not be achieved by only the police, but with the support from the community.
The I-GP stated that security was a joint work and responsibility of all, commending the current leadership of the Nigeria Police for a paradigm shift towards modern policing.
Also, the Commissioner of Police in Ondo State, Mr Adebowale Lawal, said that bandits could not infiltrate the state due to community policing strategy embraced by the command.
He explained that bandits would have infiltrated the state through Kogi and Edo, but intelligence reports from members of PCRC had been a great help to the police command.
According to him, the support and logistics received from the Inspector General of Police, Dr Kayode Egbetokun and Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa had also motivated police personnel to work earnestly.
He said that effective community policing was a sure way to curb activities of criminals, and implored members of the public not to relent in their efforts to provide police and other security agencies with useful information.
Lawal also commended other conventional security agencies, forest guards and vigilantes for their support to the police in fighting bandits
In his remarks, the National Chairman of PCRC, Alhaji Ibrahim Mogaji said that the conference was to strengthen leaders of PCRC in the South-West zone and encourage them to redouble their efforts and support in fighting crimes.
According to Mogaji, the occasion also enabled the association to appreciate Gov. Aiyedatiwa, I-GP, the AIG Zone 17 and the state Commissioner of Police.
He advised the participants to moblise other members of PCRC and orientate them on their roles to continue to fight crime in the country.
The PCRC national chairman asked Nigerians to respect the dignity of police and to be civil when interacting with them.
Mogaji said that the leadership training would be replicated in other geo-political zones of the country.
Also, Aiyedatiwa, represented by his Senior Special Assistant on Security, Mr Gbenga Atiba, commended the PCRC , AIG Zone 17, and the Commissioner of Police for their unrelenting efforts to guarantee peace across the state.
Aiyedatiwa promised that the state government would give PCRC attention and continue to support police and other security agencies with appropriate logistics that would make policing more effective.
A guest lecturer, Comrade Yinka Folarin asked members of the public to give respect and dignity to members of the police, saying that they also had rights that must be respected.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that PCRC honoured Gov. Aiyedatiwa, AIG Zone 17 and the Commissioner of Police with awards. (NAN)

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Increase salary, welfare packages for Police other security personnel – FG told

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Increase salary, welfare packages for Police other security personnel – FG told

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has called for improved welfare packages for armed forces personnel and all members of the security and intelligence community to aid their effectiveness and efficiency.

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National Chairman of PDP, Tanimu Turaki, made the call in a statement in Abuja on Thursday to mark the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day.

Turaki also urged the Federal Government to adequately fund security agencies to effectively neutralise those he described as agents of insecurity, and restore peace to the country.

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He expressed PDP’s condolences to the families of members of the armed forces who died in active service while executing their mandate of protecting Nigeria’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.

“On a day like this, we acknowledge that they paid the supreme price for the continuous existence of our country.

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“We advise all actors, whether state or non-state, not to engage in actions capable of destabilising the country.

“In honour of those who have died to keep our country safe, we pray that their deaths may not be in vain and their labours not forgotten,” Turaki said.(NAN)

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