The growing frustration among Nigerian retirees over delayed pension payments has sparked outrage, with many describing the experience as emotionally and financially draining. Stakeholders are raising serious concerns about the conduct of Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs) and the ineffectiveness of the National Pension Commission (PenCom) in addressing these issues.
A particularly emotional reaction came from a Kaduna-based citizen whose mother retired in 2020 and is yet to receive any benefits. “My mother retired since 2020 in Kaduna State—nothing. PenCom isn’t doing anything. Please, other states should not join this Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS),” the person wrote.
The criticism goes beyond payment delays, with pensioners lamenting the poor attitude of PFA staff. “The current delay in benefit payment is really killing lots of citizens in this country—most especially with unmannered staff of the PFAs. Their attitude alone is a cancer growing in the industry and, if not dealt with now, would have long-term effects,” another respondent noted.
Despite PenCom’s efforts to expand pension coverage and improve compliance, many affected retirees argue that these attempts ring hollow when thousands remain unpaid years after retirement.
Industry watchers are now calling for urgent reforms, improved oversight, and a more compassionate approach from PFAs. Failure to act, they warn, could erode public trust in the entire pension system
