Benue Pensioners Threats Over Unpaid Benefits

Retired workers in Benue State have staged a protest in Makurdi, demanding the payment of long-standing pension arrears and gratuities.

Hundreds of members of the Concerned Pensioners Association of Benue State on Wednesday took to the streets of Makurdi to protest unpaid benefits owed to retirees. The group warned that it could occupy the Benue State Government House if their grievances continue to be ignored.

Many of the protesters carried sleeping mats and placards with messages such as “pay us our pension, our members are dying,” as they expressed frustration over years of unpaid entitlements.

Speaking during the demonstration, association chairman Akosu Orban said pensioners had exhausted all channels of dialogue with the state government without results. He accused the administration of failing to honour promises made before and after the 2023 elections.

According to him, retirees are owed gratuities dating back to the year 2000, while pension arrears stand at 38 months for state retirees and 62 months for local government pensioners.

“We have exhausted all avenues for dialogue and resolution with the Benue state government over our demands without success. That is why we have decided to embark on this peaceful protest,” he said.

Orban also criticised the state of pension payments, claiming that some retirees still receive as little as N2,000 monthly, which he said is far below acceptable standards. He argued that proper harmonisation would raise payments significantly.

He further lamented worsening hardship among elderly pensioners, saying many were struggling to afford medication and basic care. “We have become scavengers, beggars and destitute in the land we served diligently,” he said.

The group also recalled an alleged campaign promise by Governor Hyacinth Alia to clear outstanding arrears within 100 days of taking office, claiming the pledge had not been fulfilled. They also accused the government of abandoning an agreement that led to the withdrawal of court cases over pension claims.

The pensioners said they had even contributed money towards the governor’s political forms ahead of the 2027 elections, expressing disappointment over what they described as broken trust.

They warned that failure to address their demands could lead to further action, including occupying government premises.

“We are hungry and angry. If our concerns are not addressed, we will have no option than to occupy the Benue State Government House until justice is done to pensioners,” Orban said.

In response, Benue State Commissioner for Finance Michael Oglegba said the government inherited pension and gratuity liabilities estimated at N300 billion, describing it as one of the largest in the country.

He said the administration was working within available resources to reduce the backlog and insisted that all retirees since 2023 had received full gratuity payments.

“Since we came into office in 2023 till date, this government has paid 100 percent of the gratuities of everybody who left service during this administration,” he said.

Oglegba added that while payments were ongoing, the government could not settle all arrears at once due to limited funds.

Should governments prioritise clearing pension debts even if it affects other public spending?