Retired staff of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) on Monday staged a protest at the agency’s headquarters in Marina, Lagos, demanding urgent payment of pension increments and improved welfare packages amid rising economic pressure.
The demonstration, organised under the Nigerian Ports Authority Pensioners Welfare Association (NPAPWA), accused authorities of failing to implement legally backed pension reviews as outlined in Section 173(3) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
The pensioners alleged that several retirees currently receive as little as ₦30,000 monthly, describing past increases—ranging from 3% to 11.5%—as inadequate and inconsistent with today’s cost of living.
Reports indicate that some serving workers also joined the protest, reflecting growing unrest within the system. The association had earlier threatened to shut down port operations nationwide in April 2026 after issuing a seven-day ultimatum to management.
One of the protesters lamented the situation, saying pension increments had been stalled for years despite worsening economic conditions.
“We have not received any increase in about four years. Life has become very difficult, and it feels like our situation is being ignored,” the retiree said.
The planned industrial action was later suspended following interventions from the Presidency, relevant government agencies, and NPA management, with ongoing negotiations focused on arrears and broader pension reforms.
During the protest, the retirees called on the federal government and NPA leadership to urgently resolve outstanding issues to avoid further escalation.
They stressed that individuals who dedicated decades of service to Nigeria’s maritime sector deserve pension benefits that reflect current economic realities.
The protest comes amid wider pension reforms being considered in Nigeria, including recent adjustments announced by the National Pension Commission (PenCom) for certain categories of retirees.
While discussions continue, stakeholders remain hopeful that ongoing negotiations will lead to a lasting and fair resolution for affected pensioners.
- The Guardian