NPA Pensioners Threaten Nationwide Port Shutdown Over 16 Years of Unpaid Benefits
Retirees of the Nigerian Ports Authority have issued a stern warning to shut down seaports across Nigeria in response to more than 16 years of unpaid pension benefits. The Nigerian Ports Authority Pensioners Welfare Association announced that it will initiate a nationwide protest within seven days if its demands are not addressed promptly.
Constitutional Violations and Economic Hardship
Charles Ayo Binitie, the association's president, highlighted that the action stems from the NPA management's failure to implement the constitutionally mandated five-year pension increment, which has been neglected since 2008. He expressed deep concern over the economic struggles faced by retirees, noting that amid Nigeria's high inflation rate and economic downturn, only a few NPA retirees receive up to N100,000 monthly, while more than 50 percent earn between N50,000 and as low as N30,000.
Binitie emphasized that the current pension structure violates Section 173(3) of the constitution, which guarantees periodic increases in pension payments. He stated that repeated efforts by the association to resolve the issue have been fruitless, with no response from authorities despite written appeals to the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission and the presidency through the secretary to the government of the federation.
Internal Unity and Legal Affirmations
Addressing claims of factional disputes within the association, Binitie clarified that internal disagreements have been resolved through court rulings, including a Lagos High Court judgement and a September 2025 decision by an Apapa magistrate court affirming his leadership. He stressed that the association now speaks with one voice, united in its call for action to alleviate the unbearable economic hardship faced by retirees.
The group has urged the federal government and relevant authorities to compel the NPA to settle all outstanding benefits, including pension increments tied to the 2024 minimum wage. Binitie revealed that the NPA has failed to provide necessary documents to the Wages Commission for over 15 years, preventing any upward review of pensions.
