Nigerian retirees protest inadequate pensions in Lagos and Cross River

Retirees in different Nigerian states are raising alarms over inadequate pension payments and unpaid gratuities.

In Lagos State, lawyer Bayo Akinlade reported that retired magistrates are struggling with monthly pensions as low as N23,000. Despite serving for decades and presiding over thousands of cases, these judicial officers face difficulties meeting basic needs such as healthcare and housing. Akinlade noted that approximately 23 magistrates have retired from the state magistracy since 2013.

Similarly, in Cross River State, the Association of Retirees has appealed to Governor Bassey Otu to harmonize and adjust pension payments. The association's chairman, Daniel Effiong, stated that pensions have not been adjusted since 2014, leaving some retirees with as little as N4,000 monthly. Retirees are also calling for the settlement of long-standing gratuity backlogs to help mitigate the impact of inflation and the rising cost of living.