Frustration is mounting among Nigerian pensioners as complaints of delayed payments, unpaid entitlements, and unresolved pension disputes continue to surface across the country.
Several retirees and beneficiaries have cried out over what they describe as persistent inefficiencies in the pension system, particularly under the Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD).
Salihu Abdullahi expressed concern over the non-payment of his February 2026 pension, stating that he remains in the dark about the cause of the delay. Similarly, Chief Baiyegun revealed that as of March 9, 2026, he had yet to receive his February pension, warning that such delays are becoming a recurring issue.
For others, the problem extends beyond monthly payments. Orkar, a next of kin to a deceased pensioner from the University of Agriculture, Makurdi, said despite completing verification over four years ago, no payment or update has been received.
Lamba’s case highlights complications surrounding gratuity payments. After leaving the National Orientation Agency before the introduction of the Contributory Pension Scheme in 2005, Lamba said he was promised gratuity but has yet to receive any benefits despite repeated efforts, including petitions to the Public Complaints Commission.
An actuary identified as Dmbiem also decried the withholding of his pension, noting that his March 2026 payment had not been processed. He described the situation as unbearable given the current economic realities.
John, a retiree from the defunct Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN), alleged discrepancies in the computation of his pension and gratuity, claiming his grade level was wrongly calculated. Although PTAD reached out to him following earlier publicity, the issue remains unresolved.
In a similar vein, Ojo recounted being owed five years of pension arrears between 2008 and 2013 due to payroll omission. While his current payments have been regularized after verification, the backlog remains unsettled despite multiple submissions to PTAD.
Responding to the growing complaints, The Nation assured affected individuals that their cases would be forwarded to PTAD for necessary action. The newspaper also urged the complainants to monitor its Wednesday editions for updates on their cases.
As economic pressures intensify, affected pensioners say timely payment of their entitlements is no longer just a matter of policy, but one of survival.