Benue pensioners give Gov Alia 14-day ultimatum over unpaid arrears, gratuities

The Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP), Benue State chapter, has issued a 14-day notice to the state government, demanding the settlement of outstanding pension arrears and gratuities accumulated from past administrations, or risk a peaceful mass protest.

In a letter dated January 7, 2026, and addressed to Governor Hyacinth Alia, the union said the unpaid entitlements span 96 months for local government retirees and 42 months for pensioners under the state payroll. The letter, signed by the NUP Chairman, Michael Vembe, and Secretary, Saater Bur, was made available to journalists on Monday.

The union stated: “Our demands include the payment of pension arrears and gratuities inherited from past administrations, comprising 96 months for local government pensioners and 42 months for state pensioners.

Out of these, His Excellency directed that five months should be paid to all pensioners, but only state pensioners have received this payment.

We demand that local government pensioners be paid their five months arrears without delay.”

Beyond the backlog of arrears, the NUP also urged the Benue State Government to fully implement pension harmonisation in line with federal guidelines, which set a minimum pension of ₦32,000 in accordance with the Minimum Wage Act, 2024.

The union lamented the harsh living conditions of many retirees in the state, revealing that some pensioners currently receive as little as ₦2,000 monthly, while retired permanent secretaries are paid about ₦7,000, figures far below what newly retired officers earn, which reportedly exceeds ₦300,000 per month.

The NUP further faulted the state for failing to enforce pension harmonisation despite an official directive contained in Circular Ref NUP/NHQ/08B/VOL.V dated October 22, 2024, which pegged minimum pensions at ₦32,000.

The union noted that the same state government has already implemented the ₦70,000 minimum wage for serving civil servants.

The union warned: “In compliance with the resolution of the Benue State Council of NUP, it has become inevitable to state categorically that, if by January 21, 2026, our demands are not met, we shall mobilise all pensioners, including those in the 23 Local Government Areas, to Makurdi for a two-day peaceful protest.”