The Coalition of Federal Pensioners of Nigeria has announced plans for a drastic nationwide demonstration, threatening to stage a naked protest if their long-overdue pension arrears are not settled by the government.
Protest Ultimatum and Core Demands
In a strongly-worded statement released in Lagos on Friday, the coalition's National Chairman, Mr. Mukaila Ogunbote, issued a clear ultimatum. He stated that the unprecedented protest is scheduled for December 8, 2025. The action will only be called off if the Federal Government fulfills its obligation to pay two specific allowances before that date.
The pensioners are demanding the immediate payment of arrears for a N32,000 pension increment and a N25,000 palliative allowance. These financial adjustments were officially approved back in 2023 but have yet to be disbursed to the retirees, leaving many in severe financial distress.
Venues and Mobilization Strategy
Mr. Ogunbote, who also serves as the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners for the NIPOST Chapter, revealed the strategic locations chosen for the demonstrations. Protesters will gather at key government offices, specifically targeting the offices of the Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD).
Additionally, simultaneous protests are planned in front of Nigeria Television Authority (NTA) stations across the country to maximize media visibility. The coalition has directed its affiliated organizations in Abuja, Lagos, and all other states to mobilize their members en masse for this decisive action.
A Symbolic Act of Desperation
Explaining the radical nature of the planned protest, Ogunbote used poignant imagery. "We must show the wound that our clothes are covering," he declared, framing the naked protest as a symbolic unveiling of the hardship and injustice faced by pensioners. He emphasized that the protest would be continuous until their bank accounts reflect the expected alerts.
In a show of resolve, he advised elderly members who may find it difficult to commute daily to come prepared with mats, indicating their readiness to stay for an extended period. "All pensioners must come out and fight for their rights," Ogunbote urged, placing blame on the Federal Ministry of Finance and the Office of the Accountant General for not taking their plight seriously.
Implications and Next Steps
This planned protest highlights a deepening crisis in Nigeria's pension administration system and the growing desperation among senior citizens who depend on these funds for survival. The coalition's move to such an extreme form of public demonstration underscores their frustration with prolonged negotiations and unfulfilled promises.
The coming days leading up to December 8 will be critical, as the federal government's response—or lack thereof—will determine whether this unprecedented nationwide naked protest by Nigeria's elderly pensioners will proceed as threatened.
