The Lagos State Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners, Contributory Pension Scheme (NUPCPS), Comrade Michael Omisande, has warned that pensioners may launch a mass protest if the Lagos State Pension Commission (LASPEC) fails to finalize the cost assessment for the approved pension increment and pay all outstanding arrears by the end of March 2026.

Omisande issued the warning on Friday while addressing members during the union’s Open Congress Day, urging retirees to prepare for what he described as a “decisive show of solidarity” should the delays continue.

He highlighted the prolonged hardship faced by retirees due to delayed pension payments, citing the case of 60 former staff members of the Lagos State University of Education, Ijanikin, who retired between 2023 and 2026 but have yet to receive their entitlements. Tragically, 30 of these retirees have since passed away, leaving their dependants in dire financial situations.

Recalling a meeting held on May 27, 2025, Omisande said the state governor had met with pension union leaders at the Alausa Secretariat and pledged to act once the Federal Government’s pension implementation template became available. The template was received on January 12, 2026, and forwarded to LASPEC for assessment of its financial implications. However, as of February 27, 2026, no significant action had been taken.

“Despite the governor’s directive, LASPEC has continued to delay the process. Pensioners cannot continue to wait endlessly while their members suffer and die,” Omisande said.

He emphasized that unless the commission concludes the cost analysis and begins payment of the accrued increase and arrears within the stipulated timeline, pensioners would have no choice but to take to the streets to demand justice.