The General Secretary of the Nigeria Civil Service Union, NCSU, Gbenga Olowoyo, has raised alarm over what he described as a “disturbing and preventable” wave of deaths among Nigerian pensioners, blaming systemic failure, poor welfare policies, and government neglect.
Olowoyo, who also serves as National General Secretary of the Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council, said available data suggest nearly half of public servants die shortly after retirement. He described the trend as tragic and unacceptable.
“After dedicating the most productive years of their lives to national service, many retirees are abandoned to face economic hardship, emotional trauma, and deteriorating health without adequate support,” he said.
He attributed the high mortality rate to non-payment of pensions and gratuities, prolonged arrears, and the rising cost of living. In some cases, retirees reportedly survive on as little as N3,000 monthly, which he said is insufficient for basic needs.
Olowoyo also faulted the failure of some state governments and private employers to comply with pension laws, particularly the Contributory Pension Scheme. Despite reforms introduced in 2004 and strengthened in 2014, he said many employers either fail to remit contributions or delay payments indefinitely. “Non-compliance, weak enforcement mechanisms, and administrative inefficiencies have continued to undermine the effectiveness of the pension system,” he said.
Beyond financial hardship, he highlighted the psychological toll on retirees who face stressful verification exercises, long-distance travel to process entitlements, and uncertainty over payment. He also condemned “insensitive attitudes” among some public officials toward pensioners, saying it erodes trust in government.
The Nigeria Union of Pensioners has voiced similar concerns, warning that rising fuel prices and inflation have deepened the suffering of retirees nationwide.
Despite recent interventions such as the Federal Government’s approval of pension bond payments and incremental increases in benefits, Olowoyo said more comprehensive reforms are urgently needed. He called for strict enforcement of pension laws, prompt payment of entitlements, expansion of healthcare coverage for retirees, and new social welfare programmes for aging citizens
“Pensioners are not a burden. They are citizens who have earned the right to live in dignity after years of service,” he said. “The current situation raises a painful question about our values as a nation. No society that neglects its elderly can claim to be just or human
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