Consequential Pension Increase Urged by Ogun Retired Principals
Retired secondary school principals in Ogun State have appealed to Governor Dapo Abiodun to approve a Consequential Pension Increase before he leaves office in 2027. They said the current pension payments are no longer enough to meet their daily needs. They also called on the state government to clear outstanding gratuities owed to retirees between 2020 and 2025.
The appeal was made by the Association of Retired Principals of Secondary Schools of Nigeria (ARPSSON), Ogun State chapter. Its president, Comrade Segun Obadimu, spoke during the association’s 2026 Annual State Congress in Sagamu. The event was held at Graceland Event Centre on Ayepe Road.
Obadimu said retirees were facing serious financial challenges because of the current economic situation. He appealed to the governor to ensure that pension increases and unpaid gratuities were addressed before the end of his administration.
Retired Principals Seek Better Pension Payments
Obadimu said the current pension payments could no longer support the needs of retired principals. He urged Governor Abiodun to approve a consequential increase in pensions before leaving office in 2027.
He acknowledged the governor’s efforts towards pensioners but said more needed to be done. According to him, the proposed increase would help retirees cope with the rising cost of living.
Many retired workers depend on their monthly pensions to pay for food, housing, transport and healthcare. When these payments lose value, their ability to meet basic needs becomes weaker.
For retired school principals, the situation can be especially difficult. Many spent years managing schools, supervising teachers and supporting students. They now depend on their retirement benefits after leaving active service.
The association wants the government to take their concerns seriously. It believes a meaningful pension increase would provide relief and help retirees live with greater dignity.
Call to Clear Outstanding Gratuities
The retired principals also asked the state government to pay outstanding gratuities owed between 2020 and 2025.
A gratuity is a lump-sum payment made to an eligible worker after retirement, subject to the applicable rules. It can help retirees meet major expenses, settle debts and support their families.
However, delays in receiving gratuities can create financial problems. Retirees may have to wait for years to receive money they expected to use after leaving service. This can make it harder to plan for retirement and manage unexpected expenses.
Obadimu said the association believed the outstanding payments could be addressed before 2027. He urged the governor to treat the matter as a priority.
Clearing the backlog would give affected retirees access to money they have been waiting for. It would also help reduce uncertainty about their retirement benefits.
The appeal comes amid wider concerns among pensioners in Ogun State over pension increases and outstanding retirement payments. In February 2026, the Nigeria Union of Pensioners in the state also called for the implementation of a Consequential Pension Increase and the settlement of outstanding obligations. The Guardian reported on the union’s concerns.
Why a Consequential Pension Increase Matters
A consequential pension increase is intended to adjust pension payments in line with an approved increase in wages or other applicable pay arrangements. Its implementation depends on the relevant government policy and rules.
For pensioners, such an increase can help reduce the gap between their income and the cost of living. Prices of food, medicine, transport, and other essential goods impact retirees just as they affect other households.
Retired people may also face higher healthcare costs as they grow older. Some need regular medical checks, medicines, and treatment for age-related conditions. A pension that cannot cover these expenses may leave them struggling to meet basic needs.
A meaningful increase would therefore help pensioners manage their expenses. However, the value of the increase matters. A small adjustment may not provide enough relief if prices continue to rise.
The state government would also need to consider how the increase would be funded and implemented. A clear plan would help pensioners understand what to expect and when the new payments would begin.
Annual Congress Focuses on Healthy Retirement
The association’s 2026 Annual State Congress was held under the theme, “Healthy Life in Retirement.”
The theme drew attention to the health and well-being of retired educators. Retirement brings changes in daily routines, income and social life. Retirees may also need to pay closer attention to their physical health.
During the congress, members received a health talk titled “Ageing Realities with Special Emphasis on Hypertension and Diabetes.”
Obadimu encouraged members to undergo regular medical check-ups and follow medical advice. He highlighted the need for retirees to take their health seriously, especially in relation to conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes.
These health concerns are important because the cost of treatment can place additional pressure on pension income. Regular checks and early medical attention may help people manage some health conditions more effectively.
The congress therefore addressed both financial security and healthy living. Pension payments help retirees meet their needs, while access to healthcare and good health practices can support their well-being.
Retired Educators Urged to Remain Active
The congress also provided an opportunity to discuss the role of retired principals in the education sector.
Retired school leaders have years of experience in school administration, teacher supervision and student development. They can continue to support education through mentoring, advice and other community activities.
Education officials and other dignitaries at the event encouraged retired principals to keep contributing to the sector. The Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Abayomi Arigbabu, was represented by the Zonal Education Officer, Mr Kola Abolaji.
Other attendees included:
- the President of Lagos State ARPSSON, Adegunle Abayomi;
- the Chairman of the Academic Staff Union of Secondary Schools in Ogun State, Comrade Agbesanwa Seun;
- the Deputy Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Teachers in the state, Comrade Okulalu Olufemi.
Their presence showed the importance of cooperation among education stakeholders and retired professionals.
2027 Deadline Adds Urgency to the Appeal
With the 2027 general elections approaching, Obadimu also urged association members to participate in the democratic process. He advised them to vote and avoid violence.
The pension appeal, however, remains a major concern for the association. Its members want the state government to act on the Consequential Pension Increase before the current administration leaves office.
For retirees, the timing is important. They need clear information about the proposed pension increase, the payment of outstanding gratuities and the steps the government plans to take.
The government can address these concerns in three ways:
- explaining the status of the pension review;
- identifying the outstanding obligations;
- setting out a realistic payment plan.
Regular updates would also help pensioners understand the progress being made.
What Happens Next for Ogun Pensioners
The appeal by Ogun State’s retired school principals highlights the financial difficulties many pensioners face. Their request is clear: approve a Consequential Pension Increase and pay outstanding gratuities before 2027.
A timely response would help eligible retirees meet essential expenses and plan their later years with greater confidence. It would also recognise the service they gave to education in Ogun State.
The key issue now is whether the state government will provide a clear plan and take action before the end of its current term. For the retired principals, the proposed increase and the payment of outstanding gratuities are not just financial matters. They are important to their welfare and dignity in retirement.
