The Nigerian Union of Pensioners (NUP), Southwest zone, has called on the Federal Government to urgently review and increase the current minimum wage and pension to cushion the effects of economic hardship following fuel subsidy removal.

The retirees also urged the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) to commence renegotiation of a new minimum wage and pension for workers and pensioners, citing the rising cost of living and food prices across the country.

The call was made during the union’s bi-monthly meeting held in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

The pensioners further urged their members to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and vote out governors who have failed to pay outstanding gratuities since 2011, especially those seeking re-election in the 2027 polls.

They also threatened legal action against governors in the Southwest who fail to settle long-standing gratuity arrears before leaving office or pursuing second terms.

Speaking at the meeting, the NUP Southwest Public Relations Officer, Comrade Olusegun Abatan, said it was time for the Federal Government to revisit the current wage structure.

Abatan stressed that pensioners would support the NLC and TUC in pushing for a new minimum wage and pension, noting that the current ₦70,000 minimum wage and ₦25,000 pension are inadequate under prevailing economic conditions.

“We know pensioners earn ₦25,000 monthly, but what can that amount do in 30 days? Even ₦70,000 for workers is not enough considering transportation, feeding, rent and other basic needs,” he said.

He appealed to the Federal Government to engage labour leaders in developing a strategy for implementing a new wage and pension structure.

Abatan also linked rising living costs to broader economic challenges, including global tensions such as the US-Israel/Iran conflict.
He called on pensioners to be politically active, urging them to scrutinise candidates’ track records ahead of the 2027 elections and vote only for leaders who prioritise their welfare.

The NUP spokesperson commended Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for their commitment to pensioners’ welfare, particularly in the payment of gratuities, noting that both governors would be honoured by the union later in the year.

He, however, decried the failure of some governors in the region to pay gratuities owed to retirees, with some arrears dating back to 2011.

“It is unfortunate that some governors have continued to owe pensioners for over 15 years. We will not hesitate to seek legal redress to ensure our members get their entitlements,” he added.