…As Oyo pensioners threaten protest, seek NLC’s intervention

The Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP), Oyo State Council, has accused the managements of the Ladoke Akintola University Teaching Hospital (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso, and Emmanuel Alayande University of Education, Oyo, of failing to implement Governor Seyi Makinde’s directive on pension increases for retirees, threatening to embark on peaceful protests from August 18 if the institutions fail to comply.

The union also said it would seek the intervention of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to compel the affected institutions to implement the approved pension adjustments.

Addressing journalists at the union’s headquarters in Agbarigo, Ibadan, on Monday, the Secretary of the NUP in Oyo State, Dr. Olusegun Abatan, described the institutions’ alleged refusal to implement the governor’s directive as “a gross act of insubordination” to constituted authority.

According to him, Governor Makinde, in January 2026, approved a minimum monthly pension of ₦25,000 and directed the implementation of outstanding pension increases, including the 33 per cent pension increment approved in 2010, the 2019 consequential adjustment, the 20 per cent pension increase effective January 2024 and the balance of the ₦32,000 pension adjustment for eligible retirees.

Abatan maintained that most pension-paying agencies in the state had complied with the directive despite the absence of a formal government circular.

“Those organs of government believed that any directive from the governor is law, with or without a circular, and must be carried out strictly,” he said.

He listed institutions that had complied with the directive to include Oyo State College of Education, Lanlate; Adeseun Ogundoyin Polytechnic, Eruwa; Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology, Igbo-Ora; and Michael Adeniyi Koleoso Polytechnic, Saki.

He, however, alleged that LAUTECH Teaching Hospital and Emmanuel Alayande University of Education had continued to ignore the directive despite repeated appeals and engagements by the union.

Abatan disclosed that the union had written several letters to the managements of the affected institutions and held meetings with them without success.

He, however, welcomed the commencement of implementation by Michael Adeniyi Koleoso Polytechnic from July 2026, describing it as a positive development.

The union insisted that pensioners in the affected institutions were entitled not only to the approved ₦25,000 minimum pension but also to all outstanding pension adjustments and arrears dating back to January 2025.

Abatan further accused the institutions of implementing the new minimum wage for serving workers while excluding pensioners, describing the action as a violation of Sections 173(3) and 210(3) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which provide for corresponding pension reviews whenever workers’ salaries are increased.

He said the matter had been brought repeatedly to the attention of Governor Makinde through official correspondence, public engagements and direct communication.

“I have informed His Excellency formally and informally. I have written letters to him, spoken about it during public engagements and even sent him messages on WhatsApp. The governor knows there are people insubordinating him,” Abatan said.

He recalled that the governor approved the ₦25,000 minimum pension after consultations with the union, noting that many retirees had previously received monthly pensions as low as ₦359, ₦850 and ₦1,000 before the present administration.

According to him, inflation has significantly eroded the value of the approved minimum pension, making another review inevitable as discussions commence on a new national minimum wage.

“Today, inflation has overtaken the ₦25,000 minimum pension. It is no longer adequate. As negotiations for a new national minimum wage begin, pensioners will also demand a review of the minimum pension,” he said.

Abatan warned that the union would intensify its agitation and call for the removal of the chief executives of the affected institutions should they continue to disregard the governor’s directive.

“If they refuse to do the needful, we will continue our protests and ask the governor to remove those who continue to disobey his directive,” he said.

He attributed the alleged non-compliance to insensitivity to the welfare of retirees.

“They implemented the minimum wage for serving workers but left out pensioners. That is why we say they are insensitive to the plight of retirees,” he added.

The union announced that peaceful protests would commence simultaneously at LAUTECH Teaching Hospital and Emmanuel Alayande University of Education on August 18, with pensioners from ministries, departments and agencies, retired primary school teachers and local government retirees expected to participate.

Also speaking, the Senior Assistant General Secretary of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners, Waheed Olojede, who represented the union’s national leadership, declared its support for the planned action.

He lauded both the Federal Government and the Oyo State Government for measures aimed at improving pensioners’ welfare, noting that President Bola Tinubu had approved the release of funds to clear outstanding pension liabilities under the Contributory Pension Scheme and the Defined Benefits Scheme.

“If the Federal Government is making efforts to improve the welfare of pensioners and the Oyo State Government has also approved pension increases, there is no justification for any institution to refuse to implement the governor’s directive,” he said.

Olojede urged the management of the affected institutions to reverse their position before the planned protests.

“This press conference is the first stage of our action. Responsible unionism requires us to first make our grievances public. But if our members continue to be denied their rights, we will escalate our actions. The National Headquarters fully supports whatever lawful steps the Oyo State Council decides to take to ensure pensioners receive their entitlements,” he said.

He added that ongoing discussions on a new national minimum wage should also provide for a corresponding review of the national minimum pension.

Responding to the allegations, the Media and Public Relations Officer of Emmanuel Alayande University of Education, Mr. Wale Adeoye, said the institution had not received any official circular directing implementation of the pension increase.

“The Vice-Chancellor is a man who always complies with directives. On the issue under reference, there is no circular to that effect. The moment there is a circular, the university will implement it,” he said.

Also, the spokesperson for LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Mr. Tayo Ogunleye, said he was unaware of the issue when contacted.