PIC.3.PHCN HEADQUARTERS IN ABUJA BEING GUIDED BY SECURITY OPERATIVES AS THE STAFF EMBARKS ON STRIKE ON TUESDAY (15/11/11)
The Concerned PHCN Pensioners Pressure Group has urged the Federal Government to pay entitlements owed to its members for over 25 years.
At a news conference in Lagos on Thursday, the group’s Chairman, Mr. Oladimeji Dunmoye, said retirees had endured hardship since the unbundling of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN).
Dunmoye accused the Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD) of withholding pension entitlements from 2000 to 2025 despite adequate government funding.
“Some of our members have died waiting, while others cannot afford basic healthcare. This situation is unjust and must be addressed immediately,” he said.
He explained that the group had written at least seven letters to PTAD in Abuja, all ignored, despite evidence of proper funding since 2017. According to him, even the Presidency was formally notified three times between 2021 and 2025, yet no response came.
“The management prefers deceptive media campaigns, collaborating unlawfully with some officials and supposed union representatives, rather than paying our accrued entitlements,” Dunmoyealleged.
He demanded full arrears payment, regular remittance of pensions, and recognition of electricity workers’ contributions to nation-building, warning that the group would intensify advocacy until justice was served.
Also speaking, the group’s Coordinator II, Mr. Julius Ayodeji, said the prolonged non-payment had inflicted severe hardship on retirees and their families.
“We want the government to know that pensioners matter too,” Ayodeji stressed, calling on the National Assembly, labour unions, and civil society groups to intervene.
Pensioners at the event displayed placards with inscriptions such as “Pay Our Arrears Now” and “Justice for Pensioners.” The group resolved to petition the Ministry of Finance and the Pension Commission (PenCom) for urgent intervention.
