Senior citizens under the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP), Ogun State Council, have appealed to the State government to approve the long-awaited consequential review of pensions, citing the need to cope with the current economic challenges in the country.

The retirees emphasized that such approval would boost their purchasing power and uphold the security and dignity of pensioners in the state.

In a letter to Governor Dapo Abiodun via the Head of Service, Kehinde Onasanya, jointly signed by NUP Chairman Waheed Oloyede and Secretary Bola Lawal, the pensioners lamented that their current income is insufficient to meet basic needs, including essential medications for the health issues commonly faced by the elderly.

They noted that their request aligns with the 2019 federal government circular on Consequential Adjustments of Pensions, which approved adjustments for retirees under the Defined Benefit Scheme following the implementation of the New National Minimum Wage Act 2019.

The letter stated in part:

“We particularly wish to express our gratitude for the following key interventions: the payment of accrued gratuities up to 2019 to beneficiaries in Ogun State, which has brought relief and dignity to those who have selflessly served the state; the full implementation of the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) in Ogun State from 2nd July 2025; and the approval of palliative provisions for retirees who exited service from that date, ensuring they are not disadvantaged by the transition to the new scheme.

“Given these achievements, the Nigeria Union of Pensioners, Ogun State Council, remains hopeful. However, we respectfully appeal for your kind approval of the long-awaited Consequential Review of Pensions, in line with the 2019 Federal Government Circular. This will enhance the purchasing power of pensioners, whose current earnings are insufficient for basic sustenance and medical needs, and will further strengthen their security and dignity.”

The retirees also urged Governor Abiodun to include those from tertiary institutions who voluntarily exited service but met the 35-year service or mandatory age of 60 within the Defined Benefit Scheme, ensuring they are captured and paid accordingly.

Additionally, they called for continuous, transparent communication regarding the full implementation of the Contributory Pension Scheme to ensure a seamless transition for future retirees into the system.