The Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP), Benue State chapter, has issued a 14-day ultimatum to the state government to clear long-standing pension arrears and gratuities inherited from previous administrations, warning that failure to do so will result in a peaceful mass protest.
In a letter dated January 7, 2026, and addressed to Governor Hyacinth Alia, the union disclosed that outstanding arrears cover 96 months for local government retirees and 42 months for pensioners on the state payroll. The letter, signed by the NUP Chairman, Michael Vembe, and Secretary, Saater Bur, was released to journalists on Monday.
The union also called on the state government to fully implement pension harmonisation in line with federal guidelines, which prescribe a minimum pension of ₦32,000 under the Minimum Wage Act, 2024.
NUP lamented the worsening living conditions of retirees in Benue State, noting that some pensioners earn as little as ₦2,000 monthly, while retired permanent secretaries receive about ₦7,000. These amounts, the union said, fall far below the over ₦300,000 reportedly paid to some newly retired officers.
The union further criticised the government for failing to enforce pension harmonisation despite an official directive contained in Circular Ref NUP/NHQ/08B/VOL.V dated October 22, 2024, which set the minimum pension at ₦32,000.
NUP noted that the Benue State Government has already implemented the ₦70,000 minimum wage for serving civil servants, stressing that retirees deserve similar consideration.
