Hundreds of retired workers from the Nigerian Port Authority stormed the headquarters of the Nigerian Ports Authority in Marina, Lagos, on Monday. They were protesting the long delay in reviewing their pensions under the contributory pension scheme.

The elderly protesters, many visibly distressed, carried placards accusing the authority of abandoning retired workers to hardship and poverty. Some of the messages read: “Nigerian Ports Authority is owing its pensioners 16 years’ constitutional benefits,” “President Bola Tinubu, save our souls. NPA pensioners are dying daily,” and “My pension is N30,000 per month, save my soul.”

Speaking to journalists, the President of the Nigerian Port Authority Pensioners and Welfare Association (NPAPWA), Charles Binitie, said the union had earlier suspended a protest after receiving assurances that something was being done about their complaints. But he said they are now calling for direct engagement with management.

“We suspended it because we got sufficient information that something was being done. But what we are asking for is for the management to address us. In every relationship, there must be dialogue. You cannot work on our behalf in silence,” Binitie said.

Several retirees shared personal stories of hardship, hunger, and declining health since leaving their jobs. They are calling on the federal government and NPA management to act without further delay