Survival seems to be the only sport of pensioners in Kaduna as they lap up poverty after years of diligent service.
Theirs is a quiet tragedy unfolding daily. In Kaduna, pensioners—who once dedicated their lives to serving the nation—are now grappling with the harsh reality of receiving as little as 500 Naira a month in pensions. The paltry sum, which is barely enough to buy a loaf of bread, is a stark reminder of a system that has failed its most vulnerable citizens.
Secretary of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP) in Kaduna State, Alhassan Musa recently shared the heartbreaking conditions faced by these retirees in an exclusive interview. Describing their plight as “pathetic,” Musa revealed that many of these elderly citizens live in desperate circumstances, unable to afford even the most basic necessities.
He laments:
“They sacrificed their lives and services for the nation, and now they are left with almost nothing,”Â
He pointed out that while pensioners in some parts of the country receive slightly better sums—between N3,500 and N18,000—those in Kaduna face the worst conditions, with some still receiving just N500 monthly.
The situation is particularly disheartening in a state that had once taken a bold step towards improving the lives of its retirees. In 2020, during the administration of Governor Nasir El-Rufa’i, Kaduna became one of the first states to implement a N30,000 minimum pension. It was a rare moment of hope for many pensioners, a brief respite from their long-standing struggles.
Yet, this hope has not been sustained. As Musa urges the current governor, Uba Sani, to emulate his predecessor by implementing the proposed N70,000 minimum pension, many pensioners continue to wait in uncertainty. For those who retired under the contributory pension system, the challenges are even more formidable, with some having waited over a decade to receive their benefits.
“Honestly, these people are facing a lot of challenges,” Musa said, his words echoing the silent cries of countless pensioners across the state. Their stories are a poignant reminder that behind every statistic is a human life—a life that deserves dignity, respect, and care, even in old age.
In a country rich with resources but fraught with inequality, the plight of Kaduna’s pensioners stands as a somber reflection of a system that must change.
As the sun sets each day, these forgotten faces continue to struggle, holding onto the hope that their sacrifices will one day be honored with the respect and support they so deeply deserve.
