The relative calm among pensioners, particularly in Oyo State, is the result of a change in government that is now favourable to us. Before Governor Seyi Makinde came on board, there were frequent street protests, media outcries, and so on, because our entitlements were not paid and were blatantly denied. It was not due to a lack of funds, but rather a lack of commitment on the part of previous governors, a mindset that did not prioritise pensioners. It was a terrible experience. During the administration of a former governor, retired primary school teachers were not paid gratuities based on the assumption that they did not vote for him in the election that brought him to power. All efforts by our union to make that governor see reason and take care of our members were futile.
But when Seyi Makinde came in, he immediately began addressing anomalies in the payment of pensions and gratuities. On the day he was sworn in, he even surrendered his salary to be added to what the government would pay pensioners. Not only that, he abolished the practice of paying pensions in percentages. Before he came on board, a month’s pension was often paid in instalments over three months. We were treated with disdain by past administrations. We were not respected; in fact, our lives did not seem to matter, and some died needlessly because they could not afford basic medical care. But when Makinde came, the narrative changed and we regained our dignity. We began to receive our pensions on or before the 25th of each month, just like civil servants. He has also given us Christmas bonuses for three consecutive years.
In January last year, he carried out a review based on our submissions and approved a minimum pension of N25,000 for Oyo State pensioners. He also addressed all outstanding pension increases, to the extent that pensioners in Oyo State now earn more than their counterparts in other states. Why would we protest against a government that treats pensioners this way?
The Nigeria Union of Pensioners, South-West zone, where I serve as PRO, has also been vocal about the plight of pensioners in other states. We meet every two months, and at each meeting I highlight issues affecting pensioners, especially in the South West. This has prompted governments in those states to respond more positively, though not always satisfactorily. That is why there is relative calm across the region. However, other governments are still not doing as much as Seyi Makinde is doing in Oyo State.
Since February this year, Governor Makinde has been paying about N6 billion monthly to pensioners: N3 billion for those who retired from ministries, departments, and agencies, and N3 billion for those who retired from local governments, including primary school teachers and local government workers. I am yet to see any other governor in the federation doing this. That is why there is calm, and why we occasionally organised rallies of appreciation. In January this year, during an interfaith programme, we even presented him with a white horse. We have been cooperating with his administration, and our hope is that his successor will also be kind to pensioners and workers.
Seyi Makinde has found two keys that have brought peace to the labour sector in Oyo State: prompt payment of salaries and pensions, and prompt attention to the entitlements of both workers and pensioners. Workers receive promotions as and when due and are sponsored for training locally and internationally. Pensioners are paid promptly and enjoy other benefits that improve their quality of life.
From what you have said, the governor appears to have raised the bar of care for pensioners and workers. What are your expectations from the administration that succeeds him?
To say that Governor Seyi Makinde has raised the bar for pensioners’ welfare is an understatement. He has done remarkably well for both workers and pensioners in Oyo State. While the Federal Government pays a minimum wage of N70,000, Makinde pays N80,000. As for our expectations of his successor, we hope and pray that whoever comes next will follow the same path or even improve on it. We expect that pensions and other entitlements will continue to be paid promptly, and that gratuities will be paid without interruption. We also hope that the next governor will have the commitment to release billions of naira for gratuity payments, just as Makinde has done.
Let me state emphatically: if any successor attempts to return us to the dark days before Makinde’s administration, pensioners in Oyo State will resist. We will return to the trenches, in collaboration with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and workers across the state. Whoever becomes governor must prioritise our entitlements.
Some may ask whether government exists only to pay salaries and pensions. Oyo State’s economy is largely driven by the civil service. Salaries and pensions are key drivers of economic activities. When that money circulates in the economy, markets thrive. If a new governor reverses this progress, it will not only hurt pensioners and workers but also traders, artisans, and the wider population. We will not accept a return to the past. This is a clear warning to whoever intends to govern Oyo State next. We may be getting older, but our ranks are strong and growing. If more than 50,000 pensioners take to the streets in protest, the implications will be clear. We expect good governance from Makinde’s successor.
The high cost of fuel is biting hard on Nigerians. How are pensioners affected?
Pensioners are among the most vulnerable Nigerians. If the wealthy and large corporations are complaining about inflation, the situation is even worse for pensioners. It is unfortunate that the current government appears indifferent and has not put adequate measures in place to cushion the effects. There seems to be more focus on the 2027 elections than on the welfare of citizens, even as people struggle to afford food and medication. The situation is dire for pensioners. For now, many of us are forced to stay indoors and manage as best as we can, hoping for better governance in the future.
It is May Day today (Friday). What memories does the commemoration bring back for you as a labour leader and now a pensioners’ leader?
In the past, May Day was eagerly anticipated as a time when governments would announce positive measures and palliatives for workers. People returned home happy and hopeful. However, over the past two decades, this has changed. Governments have shown less interest in the welfare of workers and pensioners.
Today, May Day is no longer something many look forward to. We observe it mainly because it is statutory. In recent years, how often have governments used May Day to announce meaningful benefits for workers and pensioners? It rarely happens. We simply mark the day, thank God, perform labour activities, and move on, without expectations. It is also worth noting that New Year announcements, which once brought hope, no longer do. Even during military regimes, such announcements often contained good news for citizens. Over the past twenty years, governance has declined, and expectations have diminished. We celebrate May Day simply because we are alive to witness it, not because we expect anything significant from government. That said, I cannot say what Governor Makinde may do, but generally, expectations are low.
Is unionism today what it was during your time in the NLC and TUC?
No two individuals or regimes are the same. I must say that the labour movement of the past was more dynamic and effective than what we see today. Many current labour leaders are not willing to make the sacrifices required for workers’ welfare. Without sounding immodest, I have put my life on the line for pensioners and faced serious risks without backing down. The labour movement today is different from what it was in the days of Pa Michael Imoudu, Wahab Goodluck, and even Adams Oshiomhole. The narrative has changed.
What is your advice to Nigerians as the country prepares for another round of general elections?
First, I urge all eligible voters who have not registered to do so and obtain their Permanent Voter Cards. Nigerians must be vigilant. The political space is now filled with both genuine and dubious actors making promises and distributing small gifts. If they truly cared, they would have acted earlier, not just during election season.
People should see such gestures as bait. If offered money, they may take it, it is public money, but they should vote wisely for candidates who will genuinely serve the people and improve their quality of life.