Nigerian Pensioners Urge President to Act on State Arrears

The Nigeria Union of Pensioners has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene with state governors over unpaid pension arrears across Nigeria.

Many retirees in various states remain without the benefits of ongoing national reforms, the union said, even as federal-level measures continue to advance. The call underscores persistent challenges in Nigeria's pension system, where responsibilities are divided between the federal government and the 36 state governments.

Nigeria operates a federal structure in which state governors wield considerable autonomy over local finances and public sector obligations. This often leads to uneven implementation of national policies at the subnational level. Pensioners in some states have faced delays spanning years, affecting their access to regular income in a country where formal social safety nets remain limited.

The union's statement reflects broader concerns about the welfare of retired civil servants who served at state institutions. These pensioners frequently rely on timely payments for healthcare and daily living expenses amid rising living costs.

Federal interventions in recent years have sought to stabilise pension funding at the national level. However, the union emphasised that parallel action is required from governors to address the situation in their respective states.

The appeal comes as Nigeria continues to navigate economic pressures that have strained public finances at all tiers of government. Pension reform efforts aim to ensure sustainable payments, but gaps between federal policy and state execution continue to leave many retirees vulnerable.

Observers note that resolving these arrears would require coordinated political will between the presidency and state executives. Without such alignment, disparities in pension security are likely to persist across different parts of the country.

Based on reporting by Daily Trust.