Retirees enrolled in the Federal Government’s pension scheme have issued a 21-day ultimatum demanding the payment of their outstanding N150,000 palliative allowance. The Coalition of Federal Pensioners of Nigeria has warned that if the payment is not made by September 10, 2026, they will stage a peaceful protest.

The demand was articulated in a letter dated August 21, 2026, addressed to the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction. The letter, signed by Ogunbote Mukaila, the coalition’s National Chairman, and Gbadamosi Ganiyu, the National Secretary, emphasized that the ultimatum took effect immediately and is directed at ensuring the payment of the palliative that has been pending since 2023.

The pensioners are seeking the payment of N150,000, which represents six months of the N25,000 monthly allowance that was approved by the Federal Government to alleviate the financial strain caused by the removal of the fuel subsidy. They pointed out that while workers have received their payments, pensioners have yet to see any disbursement.

In their letter, the retirees expressed their frustration, stating, "We, the Nigerian pensioners, agreed to embark on a protest for the government’s refusal to pay our palliative, which all workers had received and also received additional palliative the Federal Government first paid. The workers asked for more, and they are paid."

The coalition highlighted that President Bola Tinubu had approved the monthly palliative for pensioners as part of measures to mitigate the impact of economic hardships. They noted that the workers had already received payments beyond the six months they are now requesting.

The pensioners also raised concerns about the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, alleging that it had previously been authorized to release the funds but had failed to do so. They referenced the suspension of former Minister Betta Edu in January 2024 over allegations of financial mismanagement, which they believe has contributed to the delay in receiving their payments.

"The Ministry of Humanitarian and Poverty Alleviation was authorised to pay when the fund was released to the ministry," they asserted. The coalition urged the current administration to take immediate action to resolve the issue by directing relevant agencies to process the outstanding payments.

They have appealed for the ministry to coordinate with the Pension Transitional Arrangements Directorate (PTAD), which maintains the records of pensioners under the Defined Benefit Scheme, to facilitate the release of funds. The pensioners expressed their urgency, stating, "We are old citizens and need finance to stay alive."

This latest ultimatum follows a history of disputes over the N25,000 palliative, with pensioners previously threatening nationwide protests in 2025 due to unpaid allowances and pension increment arrears. The House of Representatives has also raised concerns regarding the non-payment of these benefits, which they noted exacerbates the financial difficulties faced by retirees.

As the September 10 deadline approaches, the Coalition of Federal Pensioners of Nigeria remains resolute in their demand for the overdue payments, warning of a peaceful but loud protest should their calls go unheeded.