By: Adekunle Victoria
photo credit: Internet
Retirement is supposed to be a period when people enjoy the rewards of their years of service. However, for some retired government workers in Lagos State, retirement has become a period of financial hardship and uncertainty.
One retired government worker who retired in 2019 reportedly earned about ₦500,000 per month before retirement. Today, her monthly pension is only about ₦88,000. The significant difference between her former salary and her current pension has made it difficult for her to maintain the standard of living she had during her working years.
Another pensioner, a retired principal in Lagos State, also shared her experience. She retired at Level 17 after earning about ₦520,000. Despite her years of service and position, she is reportedly receiving only ₦58,782 as her pension.
For pensioners who have spent many years serving the government, such figures raise serious questions about the adequacy of pension payments and the welfare of retirees.
Another pensioner who retired about 12 years ago is reportedly receiving around ₦47,712. There are also reports of some retired government workers in Lagos State receiving as little as ₦12,000 monthly.
For someone who spent decades working and contributing to society, how can such an amount adequately cover food, transportation, housing, healthcare, and other basic needs?
The pensioners are not only asking for an increase in their monthly pensions. They are also demanding that their outstanding pension arrears be paid.
These retirees have already completed their years of service. Many of them are elderly and may have increased financial responsibilities and healthcare needs. Delaying their entitlements can therefore have serious consequences for their wellbeing.
The government has a responsibility to ensure that pensioners receive their lawful entitlements promptly and that pension payments are reviewed when economic conditions change.
Pension should not become a punishment for retirement. People who dedicated decades of their lives to public service deserve to retire with dignity.
The government should therefore address the outstanding pension arrears, review inadequate pension payments, and establish a sustainable system that protects retired workers from financial hardship.
After years of dedicated service to the state, pensioners should not have to struggle to survive. They deserve to live their retirement years with dignity, peace, and security.
After Years of Labour, Retirement Should Be a Sweet Rest, Not a Life of Hardship.
