Retirees of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) have threatened to stage a nationwide protest over more than 16 years of unpaid pension benefits, citing deepening economic hardship and alleged non-compliance with statutory provisions governing pension increments.
The pensioners, under the Nigerian Ports Authority Pensioners Welfare Association (NPAPWA), issued the warning following an emergency meeting, stating that the protest would commence within seven days if the NPA management fails to address their demands.
In a statement released in Lagos, the association’s President, Mr. Charles Ayo Binitie, said the planned protest could involve shutting down seaports nationwide in a bid to draw attention to the retirees’ plight.
The pensioners accused the NPA of failing to implement constitutionally mandated pension increases, which are due every five years or whenever there is a salary adjustment for serving employees, as provided under Section 173(3) of the 1999 Constitution.
Mr. Binitie said the last comprehensive review of pensions was conducted in 2008, alleging that subsequent adjustments by the authority have been arbitrary and significantly below statutory expectations.
He described the living conditions of many retirees as dire, noting that a large number receive between N30,000 and N50,000 monthly, while only a few earn up to N100,000.
According to him, the situation has left many pensioners grappling with rising living costs, limited access to healthcare, and increasing levels of poverty among former employees.
“It is sad and regrettable that, amid current inflationary pressures and economic challenges, many retirees are living in abject poverty and cannot afford basic medical care,” he said.
The association also raised concerns over delays in administrative processes, alleging that the NPA has yet to provide the necessary documentation to the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission to facilitate a proper upward review of pensions.
Mr. Binitie added that the union had previously engaged the commission and the Presidency, through the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, but that no concrete action has been taken.
He dismissed claims by NPA management that the pensioners’ body is factionalised, stating that internal disputes had been resolved following a series of court rulings, including a 2025 judgment affirming his leadership of the association.
The retirees are calling on the Federal Government and relevant authorities to compel the NPA to implement all outstanding pension increases from 2008 to date, including adjustments linked to the 2024 minimum wage.
They warned that failure to resolve the issues could disrupt port operations nationwide, underscoring mounting tensions over pension administration and retirees’ welfare within the public sector.
