Lagos Pensioners Protest Unpaid Arrears as Police Fire Teargas

Lagos pensioners gathered at the Lagos House in Ikeja on September 1, 2026, to demand payment of outstanding pension arrears, approved pension increases and wage awards owed by the Lagos State Government. The protest turned tense when police officers reportedly fired tear gas at the retirees, dispersing the crowd.

The demonstration was organised by the Nigeria Union of Pensioners Contributory Pension Scheme (NUPCPS), which had issued the state government a 19-day ultimatum over delays in implementing the pension enhancements and wage awards. Tuesday’s protest took place on the deadline set by the union for the government to address the issue.

Earlier in August, the NUPCPS submitted a proposal to the state government detailing how the pension enhancement should be implemented. The government approved the appointment of an actuary to facilitate the process, but actual implementation had not commenced by the time of the protest.

The union had also informed the Lagos State House of Assembly and the Commissioner of Police about the planned action. Pensioners nevertheless gathered at the government premises in Ikeja, where the protest was later disrupted by the reported use of tear gas.

The demands centre on payments and adjustments that the union says remain outstanding, including pension arrears, approved increases and wage awards. The research information does not state whether the state government issued a response by September 1 or whether any pensioner was injured during the police intervention.