Pensioners in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have raised alarm over worsening hardship, hunger, and deaths due to the delayed implementation of the N758 billion pension arrears approved by the Federal Government.
Although President Bola Tinubu approved the N758bn Treasury Bond in February, and the National Assembly gave its nod for implementation on July 22, the funds meant to settle outstanding liabilities under the Contributory Pension Scheme have yet to be disbursed.
Many retirees, speaking to journalists, expressed frustration and pain, urging the government to act swiftly before more lives are lost.
Hajiya Amina Lawal said the delay had dashed their hopes and cost some pensioners their lives. “We were happy after the announcement by the President, but we did not know we would wait this long. Some of our colleagues have died while waiting for their entitlements,” she lamented.
Mr. George Ose described the situation as unbearable. “My family and I are hungry. I can’t pay my children’s school fees, I can’t access health care, and my landlord is threatening eviction,” he said. “If I had known retirement would bring this much pain, I might not have given my best to the service of the nation.”
Mrs. Joy Adewale, who retired alongside her husband in 2016, said they both survive on a meagre pension that cannot sustain them. “After 35 years of service, we’re treated like we never mattered. I even started a shop to stay afloat, but it was demolished, and now we are left with nothing,” she said, fighting back tears.
Adewale added that she was denied financial support by both the company she traded with and her bank
Leave a comment