Thousands of pensioners under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) in Lagos State have issued Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu a 19-day ultimatum to pay outstanding pension increases and wage-award entitlements, or face a mass protest slated for August 31.
The pensioners stated that the government’s failure to credit their Pension Fund Administrator (PFA) accounts within the period would trigger the “mother of all protests” on major roads across the state.
The retirees, under the aegis of the National Union of Pensioners, Contributory Pension Scheme (NUPCPS), Lagos State Council, stressed that while their counterparts under the Federal Government and in other states have been benefiting from the increment since January 2026, the Lagos State government was yet to consider their former staff despite the rising cost of living.
According to the retirees, they were compelled to return to the streets following persistent delays by the state government in implementing approved pension increases despite repeated engagements with relevant authorities, particularly the Lagos State Pension Commission (LASPEC).
As gathered, the prolonged delay has left many pensioners unable to meet basic living expenses, while others are battling serious health conditions without adequate financial support.
In a statement obtained by the Guild on Thursday and signed by the Council Chairman, Michael Omisande, the NUPCPS said a formal notification of the planned protest had already been forwarded to Governor Sanwo-Olu, the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, and the Commissioner of Police to ensure adequate security during the demonstration.
According to Omisande, the union had suspended an earlier protest scheduled for April 1, 2026, following interventions by labour leaders and key stakeholders in the pension sector, who assured members that the issues would be resolved.
He, however, lamented that months after the intervention and the submission of the pension increase and wage award template in January, pensioners were yet to receive the payments.
“In the course of our meeting with the Director-General of LASPEC, Babalola Obilana, and the Executive Director (Finance), Muyiwa Oshin, we were assured that the issue would be addressed,” Omisande said.
“Even the Director-General expressed concern that despite the governor’s directive after their meeting, there had been no visible implementation or clear timeline for payment.”
The pensioners accused the authorities of subjecting retirees to avoidable hardship after years of dedicated service to the state.
“Having spent many years serving the Lagos State Government, it is unfair that we are being subjected to untold hardship before receiving our legitimate entitlements,” the union stated.
“We therefore appeal to all CPS pensioners in Lagos State and its environs to be prepared for the mother of all protests if government fails to honour the agreement. No sacrifice, no gain. Pensioners united can never be defeated,” Omisande added.