A group of pensioners in Edo State staged a protest on Wednesday, expressing their frustration over the non-payment of their gratuities since retirement. The demonstration, which took place on Ring Road in Benin City, caused significant traffic congestion on adjacent roads.
Amadin Okoro, speaking on behalf of the protesters, emphasized their plight, saying, “We’re dying, and many of us are sick, unable to afford medical attention or surgery due to financial constraints.” He highlighted that local government retirees have been owed arrears and gratuities since 2008, while state civil service retirees have not received payments since 2012.
Esther Ehigie, another protester, shared her experience, stating that she retired in 2012 and was screened in 2017, but her gratuity payment was never made.
In response, Commissioner for Communication and Orientation Chris Nehikhare acknowledged the challenges and assured that the state government has made progress in addressing the backlog. He explained that provisions have been made in the 2023 budget to clear some of the gratuity arrears, and pensioners have been grouped into batches for payment. Nehikhare urged the pensioners to remain patient while the issues are being resolved.
