Pensioners under the Contributory Pension Scheme in Lagos State have threatened to embark on a mass protest if outstanding arrears and the recently approved pension increment are not paid before the end of March 2026.
The warning was issued by the Lagos State Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners, Contributory Pension Scheme (NUPCPS), Comrade Michael Omisande, during the union’s Open Congress Day held on Friday.
He said retirees have shown patience for too long and may be forced to take decisive action if the Lagos State Pension Commission (LASPEC) fails to conclude the cost assessment of the approved increment and commence payment.
Omisande lamented that many retirees have continued to face severe economic hardship due to persistent delays in the payment of their entitlements.
He specifically cited the plight of 60 former staff members of the Lagos State University of Education who retired between 2023 and 2026 but are yet to receive their benefits.
According to him, the situation has taken a tragic turn, as 30 of the affected retirees have reportedly died while waiting for their entitlements, leaving their families in financial distress.
He recalled that on May 27, 2025, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu met with leaders of the pension union at the Alausa Secretariat and assured them that action would be taken once the Federal Government released its pension implementation template.
Omisande explained that the template was eventually received on January 12, 2026, and forwarded to LASPEC for evaluation of its financial implications.
However, he expressed disappointment that as of February 27, 2026, the commission had yet to complete the assessment or announce a payment plan.
“Despite the governor’s directive, there has been no visible progress. Pensioners cannot continue to wait indefinitely while their colleagues suffer and pass away without receiving what they worked for,” Omisande said.
He stressed that unless LASPEC finalises the cost analysis and begins immediate payment of the accrued increment and arrears, pensioners across the state would mobilise for a peaceful protest to demand justice and accountability.
