Lagos pensioners protest at Alausa over unpaid arrears, approved pension increases

Pensioners under the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP) and retirees enrolled in the Contributory Pension Scheme have staged a protest at the Lagos State Government Secretariat in Alausa, Ikeja, demanding the immediate implementation of approved pension increases, wage awards and payment of outstanding benefits.

The retirees converged on the Lagos House premises on Monday to press the state government over what they described as prolonged delays in meeting its obligations to pensioners.

Their demands include the implementation of approved pension enhancements, payment of outstanding pension arrears and wage awards, as well as other benefits allegedly owed to retired workers.

The demonstration reportedly became tense when police officers deployed to the scene fired tear gas at the protesting pensioners.

The action allegedly forced some of the retirees to disperse from the premises, while others remained around the area to continue pressing their demands.

The use of tear gas reportedly angered the pensioners, who questioned why force was being used against elderly citizens seeking payment of their lawful entitlements.

The protesters insisted that their action was aimed at drawing attention to their deteriorating welfare and compelling the state government to address outstanding financial obligations.

They maintained that pensioners, having served the state during their active years, deserved timely payment of their pensions and other approved benefits.

The latest protest followed an earlier warning by the pensioners, who had reportedly issued August 31, 2026, as a deadline for the Lagos State Government to pay outstanding pension enhancements and wage awards.

The retirees had threatened to intensify their agitation if the government failed to meet their demands by the deadline.

The pensioners’ concerns come amid continuing pressure on governments across the country to implement pension adjustments and wage-related measures introduced in response to rising living costs and the economic hardship confronting workers and retirees.

For the protesting Lagos pensioners, however, the immediate concern remains the settlement of accumulated arrears and implementation of already approved increases.

They urged the Lagos State Government to engage with their representatives and resolve the issues through dialogue rather than allowing the dispute to escalate.

The pensioners also called for urgent intervention to ensure that outstanding entitlements are paid and that future pension payments are made promptly.

As tension lingered following the reported use of tear gas, the retirees maintained that they would continue to demand accountability from the government until their pension-related grievances were addressed.