Hundreds of retired civil servants in Benue State on Wednesday took to the streets of Makurdi to protest the prolonged non-payment of gratuities and other retirement benefits, drawing attention to what they described as years of neglect and hardship after serving the state for decades.
The peaceful demonstration, which attracted elderly men and women from different parts of the state, was held to demand the immediate settlement of outstanding gratuities, some of which, according to the retirees, have remained unpaid for more than 20 years. Carrying placards with various inscriptions and chanting solidarity songs, the pensioners called on the Benue State Government to urgently address their grievances and provide relief to thousands of retired workers who continue to struggle financially.
The protesters said the continued delay in the payment of gratuities has left many retirees facing difficult living conditions. They noted that after dedicating the most productive years of their lives to public service, they expected to enjoy a dignified retirement but instead found themselves battling poverty, poor health, and uncertainty.
Many of the retirees who participated in the protest expressed disappointment over what they described as the government’s failure to fulfil its obligations to former workers. They argued that gratuities are not gifts or acts of charity but earned benefits that workers are entitled to receive upon retirement.
According to the pensioners, the delay in the payment of retirement benefits has affected their ability to meet basic needs, including food, healthcare, housing, and the education of their dependents. Some said they have been forced to rely on family members and well-wishers for survival, while others have accumulated debts in an effort to cope with rising living costs.
Several retirees narrated personal experiences of hardship during the protest, saying the financial difficulties caused by unpaid benefits have worsened with increasing economic challenges across the country. They lamented that many of their colleagues who retired years ago died before receiving their gratuities, leaving behind grieving families and unresolved financial burdens.
The demonstrators stressed that the issue has persisted through multiple administrations, with successive governments making promises that have yet to fully translate into lasting solutions. While acknowledging efforts made by previous and current authorities to pay portions of outstanding obligations, the retirees insisted that much more needs to be done to clear the backlog and restore confidence among pensioners.1
The protest highlighted growing concerns about the welfare of senior citizens and retired public servants who depend heavily on retirement benefits for their livelihood. Many of the participants said old age and declining health have made it increasingly difficult for them to seek alternative sources of income, making the payment of gratuities even more critical.
Observers noted that the sight of elderly men and women marching through the streets under the sun reflected the depth of frustration among retirees. Some carried documents and records showing the years they had spent in government service, while others displayed placards calling for justice, dignity, and immediate action from the authorities.
The pensioners appealed directly to Governor Hyacinth Alia and relevant government agencies to intervene and ensure that all outstanding gratuities are paid without further delay. They urged the administration to establish a transparent and sustainable payment framework that would guarantee retirees receive their entitlements promptly and prevent future accumulation of unpaid benefits.
According to the protesters, uncertainty surrounding gratuity payments has created anxiety among workers who are still in active service. They argued that when retired workers are unable to access their benefits for years after leaving service, it affects morale within the public sector and raises concerns about the security of retirement plans.
The retirees also called on labour unions, civil society organisations, traditional leaders, and other stakeholders to support their demands. They said collective efforts would help draw attention to the challenges faced by pensioners and encourage authorities to take decisive action.
Economic experts have often pointed out that delayed gratuity payments can have far-reaching consequences, not only for retirees but also for local economies. Retirement benefits are frequently used by former workers to invest in small businesses, support family members, pay medical bills, and contribute to community development. When such funds remain unpaid, the economic and social impact can be significant.
For many pensioners in Benue State, the issue extends beyond financial concerns. Some of the protesters described the prolonged delay as a matter of dignity and respect for workers who dedicated years of service to the state. They argued that ensuring retirees receive their entitlements promptly is an important way of recognising their contributions to public service and national development.
The demonstration remained peaceful throughout, with participants maintaining order while making their demands known. Security personnel monitored the protest to ensure public safety, and there were no reports of violence or disruption.
As the protest progressed, the pensioners reiterated their desire for dialogue and constructive engagement with government officials. They said they were not seeking confrontation but rather a practical solution to a long-standing problem that has affected thousands of retired workers and their families.
Some retirees expressed hope that the public demonstration would serve as a wake-up call for authorities and accelerate efforts to address outstanding obligations. They maintained that many pensioners have waited patiently for years and that the time has come for concrete action rather than additional promises.
The protesters further urged the government to provide regular updates on the status of gratuity payments and make information available to retirees regarding timelines, verification processes, and payment schedules. They said transparency would help reduce uncertainty and strengthen trust between pensioners and government institutions.
As the demonstration came to an end, the retirees vowed to continue pursuing their demands through peaceful and lawful means until all outstanding gratuities are paid. They insisted that the welfare of retired workers should remain a priority and called on leaders at all levels to ensure that pensioners receive the support and recognition they deserve.
The protest in Makurdi has once again brought national attention to the challenges facing retirees in parts of Nigeria, where delayed pension and gratuity payments remain a recurring concern.
For the pensioners who gathered to make their voices heard, the message was clear: after decades of service, they are seeking not sympathy, but the benefits they earned through years of dedication and sacrifice.
