Benue Pensioners Protest Unpaid Arrears, Demand Action

On Wednesday, pensioners in Benue State protested against the non-payment of pension arrears that stretch back to the year 2000. The demonstration occurred despite heavy rain, with members of the Benue State Pensioners Association and a splinter group of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners carrying placards demanding action.

The chairman of the association, Akosu Orban, criticized Governor Hyacinth Alia for failing to fulfill pledges made in 2022 regarding the payment of 38 to 62 months of pension arrears. The protesters highlighted that they currently receive only N2,000 monthly, far below the approved N40,000 by the federal government.

They expressed regret over their earlier decision to support Alia's re-election bid by purchasing his nomination forms, hoping he would address their demands. The state government reportedly inherited unpaid pension gratuities amounting to N300 billion, the highest in the country, which has compounded the financial struggles of retirees.