A disturbing open letter has been sent to the leadership of the National Assembly, raising fresh alarm over what has been described as the “silent suffering” of Nigerian pensioners facing prolonged delays in gratuity payments, stagnant pensions, and worsening economic hardship amid rising inflation.
Addressed to the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Establishment & Public Services at the National Assembly Complex, the letter paints a grim picture of retired public servants who, after 35 years or more of service to the nation, are reportedly being left in “excruciating poverty” and neglect.
The writer, Elder Sebastian Julius Ebhoriaze Ebhohon, described the situation as a national injustice, arguing that pensioners—many of whom retired at age 60—are forced to wait 12 to 15 years before receiving their gratuity, with some dying before their entitlements are ever paid.
He referenced Section 173(3) of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees pension rights and prohibits withholding of benefits, insisting that current realities across several states contradict the constitutional provision.
According to the letter, the prolonged delay in gratuity payments has pushed many retirees into hardship, forcing them to borrow at high interest rates, sell personal assets, or depend entirely on relatives for survival. It further warned that the system has turned what should be a reward for service into a “debt for survival.”
The writer also cited provisions of the Pension Reform Act 2014, which stipulates that gratuity payments should be made within three months of retirement, describing current delays as a gross violation of the law and a failure of governance.
He called for urgent reforms, including the full enforcement of pension laws, prosecution of officials responsible for willful delays, and the treatment of such actions as financial crimes under agencies like the EFCC and ICPC.
The letter also proposed additional welfare measures, including free healthcare and annual medical checkups for pensioners aged 65 and above through the National Health Insurance Authority, alongside the introduction of a transparent digital dashboard under the Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD) showing pension records, payment schedules, and outstanding entitlements.
The author warned that continued neglect of pensioners sends a dangerous message to younger Nigerians about public service, potentially eroding patriotism and trust in government.
“Pensioners are not beggars. They are creditors,” the letter stated, adding that government has a moral and constitutional duty to honour its obligations.
It concluded with an emotional appeal for urgent legislative and executive intervention to restore dignity to retired public servants, describing the current situation as “deeply troubling and unacceptable in a civilised society.”