Concerned Pensioners Association accuses Governor Hyacinth Alia of neglect, demands payment of up to 62 months arrears as state cites ₦300bn inherited pension liability

Defying a heavy downpour on Wednesday, members of the Concerned Pensioners Association (Benue State chapter) took to the streets in Makurdi to protest the non-payment of gratuities and pension arrears dating back to the year 2000.

The group, a breakaway faction of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners registered in 2022, marched along Naka Road carrying placards with strong messages directed at Governor Hyacinth Alia.

Some of the inscriptions read: “Your Excellency, you have buried pensioners for paying gratuities during your time, June 2023 to date,” “Pay us 38–62 months pension arrears, 25 years gratuities, harmonisation,” and “Pensioners are dying, pay our arrears and entitlements.”

Speaking during the protest, the association’s chairman, Akosu Orban, said the action followed what he described as the government’s failure to honour promises made before the 2023 elections.

He warned that pensioners may resort to occupying the Government House if their demands are not met.

The group is demanding immediate payment of pension arrears ranging from 38 months for state retirees to 62 months for local government pensioners, harmonisation of pension rates in line with the Constitution, and an end to alleged interference between the state government and the Nigeria Union of Pensioners.

Orban lamented that many retirees still receive as little as ₦2,000 monthly, far below the approved federal benchmark of ₦40,000.

He also expressed regret over what he described as the group’s earlier financial support, alongside the Motorcycle Riders Association, to purchase the governor’s nomination forms in hopes of securing improved welfare for pensioners.

According to him, that expectation has not been met.

The chairman further highlighted worsening hardship among members, claiming some pensioners have suffered severe family and economic distress due to inability to meet basic needs.

The protesters called on President Bola Tinubu and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu to intervene urgently in the matter.

In response, the Benue State Government acknowledged the weight of inherited pension liabilities.

Commissioner for Finance and Economic Planning, Michael Oglegba, said in a telephone interview that the administration inherited over ₦300 billion in unpaid pensions and gratuities from previous governments, describing it as the highest in the country.

He said the current administration has been working within available resources to reduce the backlog.

“We inherited over ₦300 billion from both local government and state. We are doing our very best to pay what we can,” he said.

Oglegba added that all retirees from 2023 onward have received full gratuity payments, while older arrears are being gradually cleared as funds become available.