Lagos: A retirement coach and pension expert, Dr Babatunde Raimi, has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to extend the recently restored gratuity payments to cover retirees dating back to 2004.
Raimi made the appeal in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Lagos.
NAN reports that the Federal Government on March 5 approved the payment of gratuities to retirees, effective from Jan. 1.
The expert commended the Federal Government for resuming gratuity payments, adding, “the move is humane and compassionate gesture that had rekindled hope among retired public servants”.
He also lauded ongoing pension reforms under the National Pension Commission (PenCom), noting that recent developments had boosted confidence in the system.
According to him, the inauguration of the pension board and leadership at PenCom reflects government’s commitment to improving the welfare of retirees.
Raimi, however, urged the president to consider retirees who exited service as far back as 2004, many of whom, he said, had yet to benefit from gratuity payments.
“The president’s decision to restore the payment of gratuity stands out as a noble and compassionate gesture, one that has rekindled hope in the hearts of countless Nigerians.
“While the decision to commence payments from 2026 is commendable, there remains a large number of retirees dating back to 2004 who are yet to benefit.
“Extending gratuity payments to retirees f
rom 2004 would not only address a long-standing gap, but it would also send a powerful message that Nigeria does not forget those who served her faithfully.
“It would reflect fairness, compassion and truly inclusive leadership that embraces all, regardless of when they retired,” he said.
Raimi noted that many retirees continue to face economic hardship, including difficulty in accessing healthcare and coping with rising living costs.
“Retirees are not just statistics; they are fathers, mothers, mentors and nation-builders who dedicated their productive years to the service of the country.
“For many of them, gratuity is not a luxury; it is dignity, relief and survival,” he said.
The retirement coach also urged the Federal Government to establish a National Gratuity Stabilisation Fund to ensure sustainable and timely payments.
He explained that such a fund should be ring-fenced, transparently managed and supported through budgetary allocations, pension contributions and special intervention funds.
Raimi expressed optimism that the president would consider the appeal, noting that such a decision would restore dignity and provide relief to affected retirees.
