Pensioners in Tears: Ogun Retirees Cry Out for Long-Overdue Consequential Adjustments Amidst Hardship

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Pensioners in Ogun State have urged Gov. Dapo Abiodun to expedite the implementation of consequential adjustments to their pensions, which they believe are long overdue.

The Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP) highlighted the struggles of retirees living on meagre pensions amidst soaring costs of living and healthcare challenges.

The senior citizens under the aegis of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners, NUP, lamented that while mainstream workers have been enjoying various wage increases since 2020, the retirees have been left to struggle to survive amidst the high cost of living, numerous health issues, and soaring food and drug prices.

Oloyede stated during the 2025 Pensioners Day Celebration, held at the NUP secretariat, Leme, Abeokuta, Ogun State, calling for respsons from pension review committee set up in 2022.

Speaking to newsmen at Pensioners Day Celebration in Ogun Oloyede declared that despite the Federal government circular on consequential adjustments on pension in 2019, the retirees have been left to depend on meagre monthly pension.

He said, “The long pause, or should we refer to it as a sudden halt in the progression of activities towards the actualisation of the much-awaited and long-standing Consequential Review of Pensions of the long-standing pensioners has greatly agitated the minds of the affected.

“The paltry pensions being paid are nothing to write home about in the wake of the present harsh economic situation. The vulnerable aged are ravaged by various attendant health challenges, whereas the cost of food and drugs continues to soar higher and higher daily, making it out of reach to many, resulting in imminent deaths every moment”.

Speaking on the theme for the year’s celebrations, “Empowering Pensioners, Empowering Communities”, Oloyede argued that empowering pensioners involves providing them with the support and resources they need to live fulfilling and dignified lives, which is pertinent.

He pointed out that after retirement, they receive little or no recognition and gratitude from the government and the people, despite giving up their natural and personal human resources for the country.

The chairman advocated for the provision of free or affordable healthcare services, establishment of counselling services and home care assistance, to address physical and emotional needs, saying “when we are empowered, we can enhance our overall well-being, promote dignity and contribute to our communities in meaningful ways”.

In his own submission, Comrade Hammed Benco, the state chairman for the Nigeria Labour Congress, in his address said the challenges facing pensioners are numerous, pledging to work closely with them to ensure their sacrifices are not in vain, and urged all levels of government to keep their commitments to the elderly who have dedicated their lives to serving the nation.

Meanwhile, the Permanent Secretary Bureau of State Pension, Arinola Adetayo, assured the retirees that their welfare is not taken for granted and efforts are ongoing to ensure sustainable pension reforms to make life easier for them.

“Your welfare is not taken for granted, the government has not defaulted on the monthly payment, and this shows our commitment to your welfare.

We are aware of your concerns and have continued to work towards sustainable pension reforms to make life easier for the retirees. I urged you all to continue to support the elderly, they have worked, served the state and the nation during their youthful days and it’s time to enjoy the fruit of their labour,” she added.

Expressing their concerns during the 2025 Pensioners Day Celebration, held at the NUP secretariat, Leme, Abeokuta, Ogun State, the NUP Chairman, Waidi Oloyede, stated that although the state had set up a pension review committee in 2022,” nothing has been heard from the committee”.