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Police reportedly fired teargas at pensioners protesting at the Lagos House in Ikeja, disrupting a demonstration by retirees demanding payment of outstanding benefits from the Lagos State Government.
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The pensioners are demanding implementation of approved pension increases and wage awards, alongside payment of accumulated pension arrears and other entitlements they say have remained unpaid.
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The protesters had given the Lagos State Government an August 31 deadline to address their grievances, warning that failure to act would trigger further protests and actions.
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The retirees said prolonged delays in receiving their benefits have subjected many pensioners to severe financial hardship, particularly as rising living costs continue to erode their purchasing power.
August 31, (THEWILL) — Tension erupted at the Lagos House in Ikeja on Monday as police officers reportedly fired teargas at protesting pensioners demanding the payment of outstanding pension increases, wage awards, arrears and other benefits owed by the Lagos State Government.
The protesters, comprising members of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP) and retirees under the Contributory Pension Scheme, had gathered at the government premises to press the state authorities to act on their demands.
The demonstration followed what the pensioners described as prolonged delays by the state government in implementing approved pension enhancements and wage awards, as well as settling accumulated arrears and other outstanding entitlements.
The retirees had earlier issued August 31 as a deadline for the Lagos State Government to address their grievances, particularly the implementation of pension increases and payment of the outstanding wage award. They warned that failure by the government to meet the deadline would compel them to take further action to draw attention to their plight.
However, the protest reportedly became tense after police officers deployed to the area fired teargas at the pensioners.
The action disrupted the demonstration, with some of the retirees reportedly fleeing the premises as the gas was fired.
The use of teargas against the protesting pensioners heightened tension at the scene, with the retirees expressing anger over what they considered an excessive response to a peaceful demonstration aimed at demanding payment of their legitimate entitlements.
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The pensioners maintained that their demands were straightforward and centred on the implementation of pension-related increases already approved by the government, payment of accumulated arrears and settlement of other benefits due to them. They argued that having served the state during their active years, they should not be subjected to prolonged delays or uncertainty over benefits meant to sustain them in retirement.
The retirees also expressed concern about the effect of the delays on their welfare, particularly amid the rising cost of food, healthcare, transportation and other essential goods and services.
Many pensioners, they said, depend primarily on their monthly pensions and related benefits for their livelihood, making any delay in payment a serious threat to their wellbeing.
Video: Police reportedly fired teargas at pensioners protesting at the Lagos House in Ikeja, disrupting a demonstration by retirees demanding payment of outstanding benefits from the Lagos State Government. pic.twitter.com/VSBG7Kl5iN
— THEWILL NEWSPAPER (@THEWILLNG) August 31, 2026
Felix Ifijeh is a journalist with years of professional reporting experience. Known for his keen news sense, compelling storytelling and commitment to accurate, impactful reporting, he has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, engaging, and well-structured reports that resonate with readers. His work reflects deep newsroom experience and a commitment to accurate, impactful journalism.
