Pensioners under the Lagos State Epe Zone have staged a peaceful protest in Epe over what they described as the prolonged delay in the payment of their retirement benefits by the Lagos State Government.
Epe Insights reports that the retirees marched through major areas of Epe to draw attention to their concerns over outstanding entitlements under the National Union of Pensioners Contributory Pension Scheme (NUP-CPS).
The protesters expressed frustration over the continued delay in receiving their retirement benefits.
They said the situation had created serious financial difficulties and uncertainty for many retirees.
According to the pensioners, they had fulfilled their obligations during their years of service and should not be left waiting indefinitely for benefits due to them.
The retirees said the delay had affected their ability to meet basic needs and manage their daily responsibilities.
They therefore called on the Lagos State Government to urgently intervene in the matter.
The protesters specifically appealed to the government to review the outstanding payments and take steps to ensure that eligible pensioners receive their benefits.
They said the issue requires immediate attention because many retirees depend on their pension entitlements for their livelihood.
The pensioners also compared their situation with that of retirees under the same contributory pension arrangement at the federal level.
According to them, pensioners under the federal arrangement have already begun receiving their benefits.
They expressed concern that their counterparts under the Lagos State arrangement were still waiting for their entitlements.
The retirees questioned the reason for the disparity and called for clarification from the state authorities.
They urged the government to take decisive action to address the situation and prevent further hardship among pensioners.
The protesters maintained that their demands were not unreasonable.
They said they were simply asking for the payment of retirement benefits they considered legitimately due to them after years of service.
The pensioners appealed to the Lagos State Government to treat the matter as an urgent welfare issue.
They also called for a clear resolution that would provide certainty for affected retirees.
The demonstration in Epe brought renewed attention to concerns surrounding the payment of retirement benefits to pensioners under the state’s contributory pension arrangement.
The protesters used the march to communicate their grievances directly and seek government intervention.
They expressed hope that the authorities would listen to their concerns and respond appropriately.
The retirees said prolonged delays could worsen the financial pressure already facing many pensioners.
They noted that advancing age and increasing living costs make timely payment of retirement benefits particularly important.
The pensioners urged the state government to consider the circumstances of retirees when addressing the issue.
They said many of them have limited sources of income apart from their expected pension benefits.
The protesters further appealed for transparency in the management and disbursement of outstanding retirement payments.
They said affected pensioners deserve to know when their benefits will be paid.
The retirees called for clear communication between the government and pensioners on the status of their entitlements.
They also urged relevant authorities to engage representatives of the pensioners in finding a lasting solution.
According to the protesters, dialogue could help clarify outstanding issues and prevent further tension.
They said they remained hopeful that the Lagos State Government would respond positively to their concerns.
The pensioners also stressed that their years of public service should be recognised through timely payment of their retirement benefits.
They appealed to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration to intervene and ensure that the matter receives prompt attention.
The protesters said resolving the issue would provide significant relief to retirees across the Epe Zone.
They maintained that pension payments are essential to the dignity and welfare of retired workers.
The pensioners also called for measures to prevent similar delays in the future.
They said a predictable pension payment system would enable retirees to plan their finances with greater confidence.
The protest reflects growing concerns among affected pensioners over the delay in accessing their retirement benefits.
The retirees urged the government to prioritise the issue and work towards releasing all outstanding payments.
They also called on relevant pension authorities to provide accurate information on the status of their benefits.
The pensioners said they are prepared to engage with the government through appropriate channels to resolve the matter.
However, they stressed that they expect concrete action rather than prolonged assurances.
The retirees appealed for fairness and timely intervention as they await the benefits accumulated from their years of service.
They said receiving their entitlements would help restore confidence and provide relief to affected pensioners.
The protesters concluded by urging the Lagos State Government to act swiftly and provide a lasting solution to the outstanding pension payments.
They reiterated that their demand is for what they believe is their legitimate entitlement, not a favour from the government.
The pensioners expressed hope that their concerns would receive the necessary attention and that the outstanding benefits would be paid without further delay.
