The Nigeria Union of Pensioners, Contributory Pension Scheme (NUPCPS), Lagos State Council, has appealed to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to urgently intervene in the plight of retirees in the state who are yet to receive their terminal benefits.
In a letter signed by the council chairman, Michael Omisande, the union commended the governor for the recent approval of bonds for retirees in the public service but lamented that only a fraction of the beneficiaries were covered.
According to the union, out of over 4,000 retirees under the current administration, fewer than 1,000 have received their entitlements from the Lagos State Pension Commission (LASPEC).
They also drew attention to the case of Lagos State University of Education (LASUED) retirees, who, they said, have not been paid since 2023 despite several appeals.
The pensioners noted that many of their members have died due to lack of adequate care, while others are homeless and struggling to survive.
They urged Governor Sanwo-Olu to release funds to settle the outstanding payments, stressing that retirement should be a period of rest and not hardship.
The union further reminded the state government of a parliamentary resolution passed in February 2023, which called for the prompt and regular release of retirement bonds.
”Sir, let them enjoy the fruits of their labour. Retirees should not be made to cry,” the appeal read in part.