Retirees of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) have issued a seven-day ultimatum to the agency’s management, threatening to shut down seaports across the country over the non-payment of pension increments spanning more than 15 years.
The pensioners, under the umbrella of the NPA Pensioners Welfare Association, disclosed their position in a statement on Sunday, warning that industrial action would commence if their demands are not met within the stipulated timeframe.
Longstanding Grievance
At the heart of the dispute is the alleged failure of the NPA to implement statutory pension reviews. The retirees argue that Nigerian law guarantees upward pension adjustments every five years, as well as alignment with salary increases for serving employees. However, they claim that no such comprehensive review has been carried out since 2008.
Instead, the pensioners say they have received what they describe as arbitrary increments ranging between 3% and 11.5%, far below what is required under the law.
“The NPA is yet to furnish the National Wages Commission with its documents for over 15 years now, so that the necessary upward review can be made,” the association stated.
Rising hardship Among retirees
The pensioners also highlighted the worsening economic conditions facing their members, noting that many retirees are struggling to survive amid rising inflation and cost of living pressures.
According to the association, more than half of NPA pensioners earn between ₦30,000 and ₦50,000 monthly, while only a small fraction receive up to ₦100,000.
“It is sad and regrettable that amid the present high inflation rate and economic downturn, many retirees can barely meet their basic needs,” the statement read.
They further argued that the current pension structure falls short of constitutional provisions that guarantee periodic reviews and protection of retirees’ welfare.
Disunity Claims
Addressing concerns about internal divisions, the association insisted that previous leadership disputes have been fully resolved through the courts. It noted that a ruling by the Lagos High Court, Ikeja, mandated the conduct of an annual general meeting and elections, which produced the current leadership.
In addition, the group stated that a separate legal battle over alleged impersonation was concluded in September 2025, with a magistrate court affirming the legitimacy of its current president.
The association maintained that it now operates with a unified leadership, removing any justification for delays in addressing its demands.
Pressure Mounts Amid Strong NPA Finances
The threat of a shutdown comes at a time when the NPA is projecting strong financial performance. The authority has set a revenue target of ₦1.489 trillion for 2026, up from its 2025 projection of ₦1.468 trillion, which it reportedly exceeded.
Its 2026 budget includes ₦945 billion for capital projects, ₦447.5 billion for operational expenses, and ₦90.6 billion in remittances to the Consolidated Revenue Fund.
The pensioners argue that these figures underscore the agency’s capacity to meet its obligations, making the prolonged delay in pension adjustments difficult to justify.
Potential Economic Impact
Industry observers warn that any disruption to port operations could have far-reaching consequences for Nigeria’s economy. Seaports serve as critical gateways for imports and exports, and a shutdown could trigger supply chain disruptions, increased costs, and broader economic instability.
With the ultimatum now in effect, attention turns to the NPA and relevant government authorities to determine whether a resolution can be reached before the situation escalates into a full-scale industrial action.
