Pensioners Demand Action Amid Rising Economic Hardship

Pensioners in Nigeria are lamenting the increasing hardships caused by rising energy prices, particularly due to the ongoing conflict between the U.S. and Iran, which has exacerbated inflation and transport costs. During a bi-monthly meeting hosted by the Ogun State branch of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners, Mr. Olusegun Abatan highlighted the dire economic situation, urging citizens to obtain voter cards ahead of the 2027 elections to hold neglectful politicians accountable.

They praised Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde for approving a monthly pension relief of N10,000 for the first three months starting in April, aimed at mitigating the effects of the energy crisis. However, they criticized both state and federal governments for not taking similar actions and warned that legal action could be pursued against governors who fail to pay pension gratuities accumulated over 15 years.

The current minimum pension of N25,000 and minimum wage of N70,000 are deemed insufficient given the economic realities.