The Coalition of Federal Pensioners of Nigeria has announced plans for a drastic nationwide demonstration, where members may protest without clothing, to press home their demands for the settlement of long-overdue pension increments and palliative allowances.
A Desperate Measure for Attention
In a strongly-worded statement released in Lagos on Friday, December 5, the coalition's National Chairman, Mr. Mukaila Ogunbote, revealed the radical protest strategy. Ogunbote, who also leads the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP) NIPOST Chapter, stated that the demonstration is scheduled for Monday, December 8.
The action is a last-resort measure intended to force the government's hand. The pensioners are demanding the immediate payment of two key financial obligations: the arrears of a N32,000 pension increment and a N25,000 palliative allowance, both of which were approved in the year 2023 but have remained unpaid.
Ultimatum to Federal Authorities
Ogunbote issued a clear ultimatum: the protest will proceed unless the Federal Government releases the funds before the set date. He expressed deep frustration with the Federal Ministry of Finance and the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation, accusing them of not taking the pensioners' plight seriously.
"The Federal Ministry of Finance and Accountant General Office are not taking us seriously; so, all pensioners must come out en masse to fight for the injustice," Ogunbote declared.
The protest is planned to be held simultaneously at key locations across the country. Participants will gather at the offices of the Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD) and in front of the premises of the Nigeria Television Authority (NTA) stations in Abuja, Lagos, and all other states.
"We Must Show the Wound"
Explaining the symbolic nature of the planned nude protest, Ogunbote used a powerful metaphor for the pensioners' suffering. "We must show the wound that our clothes are covering," he stated, emphasizing the depth of their hardship and neglect.
He called on all affiliated organization chairmen and secretaries to mobilize their members for what he described as a continuous action. "The protest is continuous until we receive an alert for the N32,000 pension increment and N25,000 for six months," Ogunbote affirmed.
In a move that underscores the determination and preparedness for a prolonged sit-in, he advised, "Those who can't come and go back should come with mats." His final rallying cry was a direct appeal: "All pensioners must come out and fight for their rights."
This planned protest highlights the escalating tensions between retired federal civil servants and the government over welfare commitments, pushing pensioners to consider extreme measures to secure their lawful entitlements.
