Lagos Pensioners Protest Unpaid Benefits, Tear-Gassed

On August 31, pensioners gathered at the Lagos House in Ikeja to protest against the Lagos State Government for unpaid pension increases, wage awards, and other benefits. The protesters, including members of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP) and retirees under the Contributory Pension Scheme, expressed frustration over prolonged delays in implementing approved pension enhancements and settling accumulated arrears.

They had set a deadline for the government to address their demands, warning of further action if their grievances were not met. The protest escalated when police officers deployed to the area fired teargas at the pensioners, disrupting the demonstration and causing some retirees to flee.

The use of teargas was met with anger from the retirees, who viewed it as an excessive response to their peaceful demonstration aimed at securing their legitimate entitlements.