CSOs Demand Probe, Sanctions Over Alleged Tear-Gassing Of Lagos Pensioners
For elderly Nigerians who spent decades serving the public, retirement should bring dignity, not tear gas and a fresh fight for benefits they have already earned.
A coalition of civil society organisations in Lagos, including the Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa, CAPPA, condemned the alleged tear-gassing of pensioners protesting unpaid entitlements at the Lagos State House of Assembly, accusing the state Police Command of attempting to cover up the incident.
The pensioners, including members of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners and retirees under the Contributory Pension Scheme, staged the protest on August 31 after a 19-day ultimatum over outstanding pension increases, wage awards and arrears expired.
The coalition said police officers fired tear gas at the protesters, forcing the elderly demonstrators to flee.
The groups also faulted the Lagos Police Command for denying that the pensioners were tear-gassed, saying eyewitness accounts contradicted the claim.
They cited the account of Latif Salau, Deputy Chairman of the Nigerian Pensioners Practitioners of Lagos State, who said a senior police officer later apologised and provided the pensioners with sachet water and biscuits.
The coalition is demanding an independent investigation, disciplinary action against any officers found responsible, and a review of the Lagos Police Command.
It also called for retraining in the rights of peaceful protesters, de-escalation and the proportionate use of force.
Beyond the alleged police assault, the CSOs urged Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to meet the pensioners, pay undisputed arrears and publish a clear timetable for settling outstanding claims.
They said pensioners under the Defined Benefit Scheme are seeking arrears dating from 2019, while those under the Contributory Pension Scheme are demanding unpaid increases dating back to 2010, alongside the N32,000 wage award.
The coalition said some pensioners had already died while waiting for payment, warning that further delays could deepen the hardship faced by elderly retirees struggling with food, housing and medical costs.
It reminded the government and police that constitutional protections for freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and pension rights must be respected, insisting that pensioners should not be intimidated or silenced for demanding their entitlements.
Join Our WhatsApp Community
