NUP Distances Itself from Planned Naked Protest by Pensioners’ Coalition.

National Union of Pensioners

By Olukemi Odoh

The Nigeria Union of Pensioners has dissociated itself from a proposed naked demonstration reportedly being organised by a group of retirees operating under the name Coalition of Pensioners. The union said it had no hand in the controversial plan and would not support any action it considered capable of undermining the dignity of senior citizens or escalating tensions between pensioners and government authorities.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the union explained that while it recognises the frustrations many retired workers continue to endure as a result of unpaid arrears, delayed gratuities and inadequate welfare, it would never endorse a form of protest it described as extreme and unbecoming of respected former public servants. According to the NUP, the planned action does not reflect its values or the peaceful approach it has consistently employed in engagements with government over the years.

The union stressed that its members across the country have been properly briefed to ignore any mobilisation effort linked to the proposed naked march. It also urged retirees to remain calm and patient as the union continues negotiations with relevant authorities on outstanding pension issues. The NUP added that it was already pursuing constructive dialogue aimed at ensuring that longstanding grievances are resolved without resorting to confrontational or sensational tactics.

Speaking further on the matter, a senior official of the union noted that the alleged organisers of the planned protest were not recognised by the NUP and did not represent the collective interests of Nigerian pensioners. He said the union would not allow splinter groups to create confusion within its ranks or portray retirees in a manner that could attract negative public perception. He emphasised that the welfare of pensioners is too important to be handled through what he described as emotional or ill-advised demonstrations.

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Reacting to the development, some pensioners expressed mixed feelings. While many agreed that a naked protest would be inappropriate and embarrassing, others argued that rising economic hardship and persistent government inaction had left retirees feeling abandoned. They said the desperation among aging citizens should not be dismissed, adding that their worsening living conditions had pushed some into supporting unconventional methods of drawing attention to their plight.

However, several state chapters of the NUP have thrown their weight behind the national leadership, affirming that retirees must maintain their dignity even in protest. They urged pensioners to trust the ongoing engagement process with government and warned that any unauthorised demonstration could jeopardise the gains already made through structured dialogue.

The union appealed to the federal and state governments to expedite action on issues affecting pensioners, noting that timely payment of entitlements would help restore confidence among retirees. It also encouraged authorities to strengthen pension administration systems and provide affordable healthcare, adding that these measures would reduce the desperation that often fuels extreme actions.

As public debate continues, the NUP reiterated that it remains committed to pursuing the welfare of all pensioners through peaceful, lawful and responsible means.