Retirees urge Federal Govt to urgently address delays in Pension payment
Retirees urge Federal Govt to urgently address delays in Pension payment
Retirees in Anambra, Ebonyi and Enugu States have urged the Federal Government to address and remove all the bottlenecks delaying payment of pensions to retired civil servants in the country.
They made the call separately in a News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) survey on ways of improving pension payments.
NAN reports that in 2004, the Federal Government of Nigeria enacted the Pensions Reform Act (PRA 2004) which introduced the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS).
The act made it mandatory for employers and employees in both the public and private sectors to contribute towards the retirement benefits of employees.
The pension administration in Nigeria had since then, faced with inadequate funding, poor management, low coverage, lack of awareness, and weak regulatory framework.
Most of the retirees who spoke to NAN in separate interviews said in spite of their pension contributions, they were unable to access their pension two years after retirement while some were paid 50 per cent and 25 per cent lump sum after many years of retirement.
A retiree, Mr Julius Okafor, told NAN that he retired since 2022 and was yet to be paid his gratuity and monthly pension, saying he had been living from hand to mouth.
Okafor lamented that after serving his country for 35 years, he was yet to receive his pensions and appealed to the Federal Government to remove all the bottleneck for the payment of pension in the country.
“I have submitted all the necessary documents but my pension administrator is yet pay me.
“My friends and relatives had been the ones supporting me and it is painful that senor citizens like us are treated like this,” he lamented.
Another retiree, Mr Emmanuel Nwaiwu, while narrating his difficulty since he retired in 2024, advised the Federal Government to put in place a system where every civil servant would be paid their lump sum once they retired and subsequently their monthly pension.
According to him, it becomes a problem when someone that retired will have to wait for years before he is being paid and the more they are delaying it, the more other workers are retiring, making it cumbersome.
The Zonal Coordinator, Leadway Pension Administrator, Dr Arinze Udechukwu, blamed the delay on remittance of pension funds by the government to pension administrators.
He explained that with the new Pension Act, when a civil servant retired, his pension would be divided into two of 25 per cent or 50 per cent as lump sum while the other one would be spread as pensionable salary.
Udechukwu, however, advised civil servants to join pension organisation that could direct and give them opportunity to save, invest as well as information they needed from their pension accounts.
The zonal coordinator, urged retirees to learn a vocation while working, as it would be difficult to learn it after retirement.
“Civil Servants need to save money to invest as the salary is not enough. They need to set aside something from their salary. This is what is called financial disciplined to enable them grab an opportunity to make a profitable investment.
“If they begin now, before retirement they will master the vocation as it is the only thing that will sustain them after exit from active service,” he said.
In Ebonyi, some stakeholders in Abakaliki, have called for the need to overhaul the National Pension Commission (PENCOM) to effectively improve the contributory scheme and overcome delay payments of benefits to retirees in the country.
Dr Mathew Odono, Retired Director, National Orientation Agency (NOA), Ebonyi Office, said that the situation of getting the payment was worrisome.
Odono, who retired on March 2024, said he was yet to get either the gratuity or the monthly pension.
“It’s a worrisome situation, I retired in March 2024 and as I am talking to you, I have never gotten a kobo. We applied at the period of retirement but up till today, we are yet to get something.
“The federal government should look into this issue and overhaul the whole processes, especially the PENCOM in order to save the retirees,” the former Director said.
Mrs Happiness Okonkwo, a Legal Practitioner supported the call for overhauling the pension commission and urged for the review of the Pension Reform Act, 2024 for the future of the civil servants.
Okonkwo decried the situation, saying that it was wrong to hoard someone savings after the 35 years meritorious service.
“In the case of Ebonyi state, the Governor, Francis Nwifuru is up and doing. He has cleared all the outstanding pensions and gratuity of the retirees in the state civil service.
“When the Governor came on board, he took it as one of his priorities and the retirees are happy today.
NAN recalls that the governor had on May, 2024, cleared the gratuities of the retired workers in the state from 1996 to 2023.
Mr Jude Okpor, State Commissioner for Information and State Orientation noted that Nwifuru’s led administration was committed to the payment of retirees pensions.
“The governor paid a total Gratuity of over N5 billion from 1996 to 2023.
“It is clear than ever that Nwifuru, the most humane and workers’ friendly Governor of Ebonyi State, does not only make promises but keeps to the last letters of his promise,” he added.
Charlie Okoro, a civil servant said the state government had taken upon the payment at ensuring that the retirees gets their pensions as and when due.
“The retirees in the state are no more having the difficulties. We have a Governor, who cares for his people,” he said.
Prof Demian Opata, a Professor Emeritus, University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN), said he received his first monthly pension from his Pension Fund Administrator, 13 months after his retirement.
Opata, a Professor of English and Literary Studies who retired in 2021 from the UNN, explained that when he retired, he filled series of forms and went through documentation process as directed by by his pension administrator.
He said that after 13 months he was paid the first pension benefits and since then it had been regular at every month end.
“You are the one to choose the percentage of your monthly pension payment between 25 per cent and 50 per cent,” he said.
The Emeritus Professor said he preferred the pension money spread over the years to the whole money being paid once.
“If the whole money is paid to you at once and you misuse the money what are you going do since you are no longer working to get salary.
“Since “one man’s meat is another man’s poison” , retirees should be allowed to choose whether he/she wants it once or spread over the years,” he said.
Opata urged government to intervene to ensure that period of receiving the first pension payment did not exceed six months from the day of retirement.
“It will be good if six months is the maximum a retiree will wait to receive the first monthly pension.
“Some retirees are not strong to do another work after retirement, allowing the first pension benefits to stretch one to two years amount to inflicting hardship and suffering on retirees,” Opata said.
Contributing, Mr Julius Ezema, a Lawyer and Right Activist, urged government to direct all pension fund administrators to start working out the pension benefits of civil servants starting from six months to his/her retirement date.
“This will make it possible for everything in terms of gratuity and pension benefits to be ready immediately the person retires.
“This will prevent the ugly situation of some retirees who die on the process of waiting so long to receive their pensions.
“We should remember that these retirees spent their youthful years to serve their fatherland and it will be unfair to pay them with death, hardship or suffering after their retirement.
The activist also urged civil servants still in active service in the country to give maximum support in ensuring that retirees were treated with deserved care and diginty knowing very well that one day they would also retire from service.
Pensioners in Anambra have also called on Pension Commission to be on their toes in solving the respective retirement emoluments of retirees that besieged their offices nationwide for quick collection of their entitlements.
In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Awka, they called on administrators to be ICT compliant.
Mr Izunna Mbadiwe, a retired civil servant urged the Commission to do more.
“We are still experiencing analogue documented procedure, thereby making us carry out files to verification exercise.
“In the process, some retirees lose their documents; we should have grown past this stage for this is my third year and yet to collect all my entitlement,” he said.
Mrs ijeoma Ezeokoye, a retired teacher, on her part called on intensive training for Pencom staff to boost productivity.
“Only if the Federal Government will attach importance to training of PenCom workers on how developed nations does it right as many retirees are dying on daily basis without getting their money,” she said.
Mr Kelechi Onyeka, a lawyer, said that doing away with the cause of the bottleneck would improve the situation.
“There are avenues retirees can pursue their cases in court or ombudsman but the process is cumbersome.
“I have always advised clients that want to pursue such matters to remain calm and pray for better policies to be introduced that will eradicate all the elements that cause hindrances,” he said.
NAN reports that at Pencom state office in Awka, a staff that simply want to be identified as Mr Nnamdi, said all inquires concerning their operations cannot be from state office.
“There is nothing anyone will tell you from the state office that is valid.
“All information concerning our work output can only be received from our headquarters at Abuja for all I can tell you for sure is that we are improving on our services to our retired aged ones,” he said. (NAN)
Concerns have been raised regarding the safety of local law enforcement officers in the wake of the early Saturday morning incident at Polo Roundabout.
After two policemen from the Nigeria Police Force’s “C” Division tried to apprehend a suspect who was discovered in possession of a cache of hard drugs, the attack took place.
According to security analyst Zagazola Makama, who shared details of the event on his official X account, the suspect fled upon noticing the police, abandoning a bag filled with hard drugs and substances believed to be Indian hemp. The suspect then ran into the Jenta Adamu area of Jos North.
However, the situation took a violent turn when the suspect returned with a group of motorcycle riders, launching a vicious attack on the officers as they were en route to the station with the confiscated drugs.
During the chaos, one of the officers, Inspector Ikale Muhammed, was severely injured in the assault. He was quickly rushed to Bingham University Teaching Hospital for emergency treatment.
A Bajaj Boxer motorcycle was found at the scene of the attack, and police reinforcements were swiftly deployed to restore order.
Authorities are now working to track down those responsible for the violent assault.
News
Notorious terrorist known as Amirul Khahid, others killed by Sildiers, weapons seized
Notorious terrorist known as Amirul Khahid, others killed by Sildiers, weapons seized
Nigerian Army soldiers killed Abba Alai (Amirul Khahid of Alafa), a known terrorist commander who had been on security watchlists for a while, in a series of decisive operations over the weekend.
In fierce firefights that lasted over four hours in Bama and Gwoza, the commander and many other militants were killed.
11 RPG bombs, 760 rounds of 7.62mm linked ammunition, 220 rounds of 12.7mm linked ammunition, one AK-47 rifle, 440 rounds of 7.62mm by 54mm ammunition, General Purpose Machine Guns (GPMGs), a Mowag armored tank engine, a QJC W85 anti-aircraft gun, three light machine guns, and one M60 machine gun were among the substantial arsenal of weapons that the troops seized during the operation.
Meanwhile, in Jibia Local Government Area (LGA) of Katsina State, Nigerian soldiers rescued 10 hostages, including seven women and three children, from a notorious terrorist commander who surrendered to the troops. The commander also handed over two AK-47 rifles.
In Delta State, a significant victory was achieved as soldiers captured a high-profile commander of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB)/Eastern Security Network (ESN), identified as Ekene Ifeanyi. He was apprehended in his hideout within the Issele Asagba Forest in Oshimili South LGA.
A statement by the Army confirming the offensive said, “In a relentless and ferocious crackdown on terrorism, gallant troops of the Nigerian Army have once again demonstrated their unyielding resolve to obliterate terrorist enclaves, dealing a devastating blow to their operations.
“The latest offensives, executed with precision and overwhelming firepower, sent the terrorists into a state of utter disarray, forcing them to abandon a massive cache of arms, ammunition, and explosives as they fled for their lives.
“On Saturday, 1 March 2025, troops deployed in Bama Local Government Area of Borno State launched a ruthless and coordinated assault on a well-fortified terrorist stronghold following credible intelligence that insurgents were regrouping to unleash havoc on villages around Fallujah and its environs.
“The ensuing fierce gun battle raged for hours as troops overpowered the terrorists, neutralizing several of them while systematically dismantling explosives laid en route their camp.
“In the aftermath of the onslaught, troops recovered an astonishing cache of deadly weapons, including 11 Rocket-Propelled Grenade (RPG) bombs 760 rounds of 7.62mm linked ammunition, 220 rounds of 12.7mm linked ammunition, one AK-47 rifle and 440 rounds of 7.62mm by 54mm ammunition.
“The troops also conducted a thorough clearance operation in Unguwan Abdullahi, a terrorist-infested settlement, where they annihilated all terrorist life-support structures and unearthed stockpiles of food items buried underground, depriving the terrorists of crucial sustenance.
“As troops advanced ahead of Garin Fallujah, they engaged the terrorists in a blistering firefight, forcing them into a chaotic retreat.
“In the process, a notorious terrorist commander, Abba Alai (Amirul Khahid of Alafa) a high-value target who had long been on security watchlists, was neutralized.
“Weapons recovered in the operation are one AK-47 rifle, one AK-47 rifle magazine, 23 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, one radio set, a DSHK heavy machine gun barrel, one motorcycle and assorted medical supplies
“The troops further cleared Ukuba Forest capturing alarming assortment of heavy weaponry and military-grade equipment.
“These include 2 General-Purpose Machine Guns (GPMG), Mowag armored tank engine, Heavy-duty vehicle engine block with components, one QJC W85 anti-aircraft gun, 3 light machine guns, One M60 machine gun, 2 RPG launcher tubes, one QJC cradle one HK21 machine gun, one G3 rifle magazine, a fabricated 60mm mortar tube and 3 Improvised Explosive Device (IED) cylinders.
“In a separate operation troops strategically positioned in Gwoza Local Government Area as part of a blocking force to prevent insurgents from escaping Sambisa Forest delivered yet another crushing blow on the terrorists.
“The coordinated offensive in Gobara village saw the insurgents abandon their weapons and fled in panic.
“A meticulous search of the area led to the discovery of 57 rounds of 12.7mm ammunition, 30 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, three AK-47 rifle magazines, a locally fabricated dane gun, two prototype firearms suspected to be used for terrorists’ training.
“In a heartwarming development, troops also rescued an elderly woman who had been held hostage by the terrorists for 10 years.
“Meanwhile, acting on credible intelligence, troops in Chibok Local Government Area of Borno state stormed a notorious kidnappers’ hideout in Shirkaki village, where they apprehended a prime suspect who had long been on the security watchlist.
“The swift and precise operation led to the recovery of two AK-47 rifles, two AK-47 rifle magazines, one pump-action shotgun, four rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition and six cartridges.
“In Katsina State, at Unguwan Baki village, Faskari Local Government Area, terrorists attempting an attack were met with superior firepower, forcing them to flee into the forest, abandoning their motorcycles.
“Also, in a rare but telling development, a high-ranking terrorist commander in Jibia local government area of Katsina State voluntarily surrendered to troops, handing over two AK-47 rifles.
“He also freed 10 captives, including seven women and three children, signaling his decision to abandon a life of terror and embrace peace.
“In Zamfara State, troops engaged another group of terrorists, neutralizing one while the rest scattered in confusion, leaving behind two motorcycles.
“Troops deployed to Niger State equally engaged terrorists in a pitched battle, compelling them to flee into the dense forests of Dakwala and Chikuba.
“Troops subsequently launched a sweeping clearance operation, recovering 36 abandoned motorcycles and demolishing all terrorist hideouts in the area.
“In Baruten Local government Area of Kwara State, troops stormed a known kidnappers’ enclave in Karunji village, forcing the criminals to flee in terror on sighting the advancing troops, leaving their captives behind.
“The successful rescue operation led to the recovery of a locally made pistol, 6 Dane guns and 3 motorcycles.
“Meanwhile, in a significant counterterrorism breakthrough, troops deployed to Delta State captured a high-profile IPOB/ESN commander, identified as Ekene Ifeanyi, in his hideout within Issele Asagba Forest of Oshimili South Local Government Area.
“The suspect, who had been on the security watchlist, was a key figure in establishing IPOB/ESN terrorist cells in Delta State. During interrogation, he confessed to being a top IPOB operative.
“The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede while commending the troops’ resilience, has reiterated his resolve to make their welfare a priority, adding that they deserve the best for their selfless service.
“He also affirmed that the Nigerian Army remains unyielding in its resolve to eradicate terrorism and criminality across the nation.
“With unwavering commitment, unmatched firepower and relentless pursuit, troops will continue to hunt down remnants of the nation’s adversaries, ensuring that peace and stability prevail across the country.”
News
Monarch criticises ‘King of Street’ title conferred on Portable by another Monarch
Monarch criticises ‘King of Street’ title conferred on Portable by another Monarch
Oba Akintunde Akinyemi, the Eselu of Iselu, has expressed his extreme dissatisfaction of the contentious awarding of the “King of Street” chieftaincy title to musician Habeeb Olalomi Okikiola, popularly known as “Portable,” by Oba Abdulfatai Akamo, the Olu of Itori.
Oba Akinyemi wrote in an open letter, signed by the king himself, that the title was foreign to all Yorubaland palaces and that it should be reversed to avoid any possible disturbances.
He stated that the title should have been confined to the local jurisdiction of Itori, suggesting it be named “King of Itori Street” rather than the broad and ambiguous “King of Street.”
Oba Akinyemi further criticized the decision, particularly given that Portable is currently facing trial in Ogun State High Court for alleged assault on state government officials. He argued that the title was conferred without proper consideration and at a time when the singer is embroiled in legal controversies.
The letter concluded by emphasising that the “King of Street” title, which was bestowed upon Portable during Oba Akamo’s 21st Coronation Anniversary, is entirely unknown in Yoruba royal traditions, branding it as not only illegal but also a potential catalyst for chaos if not immediately rescinded.
” Using the title “King of Street” can be interpreted as the King of all Streets in the State. This is unacceptable. Olu Itori ought to have limited the title to his domain. Kabiyesi ought to have titled it “King of Itori Street” and the musician would know that his title is only confined to Itori Kingdom.
“All streets in Ogun State have their Kings and they know how they choose them, so this generalization of the title Street should be reversed to prevent any problems in the State and beyond.
“Apart from the wrong title given to Portable, His Royal Majesty’s decision to install the musician as a Chief was not well thought out because of the unruly and questionable behaviour of the singer who is currently facing a trial in a competent court in Ogun State. Giving him a chieftaincy title is like encouraging him to wreak more havoc. An effort that will make the musician live a better life is what is necessary.
“In fact, the unruly self-made kings in the fuji industry have caused lots of divisions among themselves which is entirely different from the love and good legacy the pioneers left behind. Portable is one of the self-made kings who need to refine their lives.
“My advice, once again, is that His Royal Majesty Oba Abdulfatai Okikiola Akamo, Olu Itori should revoke the title given to the controversial musician and advocate for a rebranding of the musician so that he can abandon his shenanigans and reckless lifestyle.
“Rebranding will make the musician turn a new leaf and go higher in his musical career. The title does not belong to us as Monarchs, so revoking it will remove the stigmatization that the title has been having on the Traditional Institution.
“In conclusion, I want to use this opportunity to draw the attention of the Chairman of Ogun State Council of Obas and Chiefs, His Royal Majesty, Oba Kehinde Gbadewole Olugbenle, the Olu of Ilaro and Paramount Ruler of Yewaland to the untraditional and illegal installation done by Olu Itori.
“Chairman sir, may your years on the throne be very long. Kindly use your revered office to request Olu Itori to correct the anomaly he has created, as this effort will remove any blemish that the controversial installation has had on our respected Institution”.