More than 140 former Chief Executives of Federal Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) have raised alarm over the non-payment of their severance allowances and other statutory benefits, 21 months after they were disengaged from office by the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The affected former chief executives, who spoke under the condition of anonymity, said the prolonged delay in settling their entitlements—running into several billions of naira—has plunged many of them and their families into severe financial hardship.
They lamented that since they were relieved of their appointments nearly two years ago, they have not received any payment from the Federal Government, describing the situation as “callous, unfortunate and deeply distressing.” According to them, the non-payment has left many unable to meet basic family responsibilities, including healthcare, education and daily sustenance.
“Over 140 of us, who served the country at the highest levels of public administration, have waited in vain for 21 months for the government to do the needful,” one of the former chief executives said. “Our families are passing through untold hardship. This is a painful reward for years of dedicated and patriotic service to the nation.”
They expressed disappointment that a government they served with commitment, integrity and a high sense of duty has, in their words, treated their welfare with indifference. They noted that no concrete steps have been taken to address their plight, despite repeated appeals through official channels.
The former officials appealed directly to President Tinubu to urgently intervene, stressing that as senior citizens who contributed significantly to national development, they deserve a more humane and dignified treatment. They warned that the continued delay in paying their benefits does not reflect positively on the image of the current administration.
“The fact that our severance allowances and benefits have remained unpaid for 21 months does not speak well of the government of the day,” they said, urging the President to act swiftly to redeem the government’s image.
Meanwhile, the development has attracted public criticism, with several Nigerians condemning the Federal Government for what they described as a failure to uphold its responsibility to the welfare of its citizens.
Reacting to the situation, Mr. Ugochinyere Chukwu described the non-payment as “scandalous,” urging the government to immediately clear all outstanding entitlements. “Owing people for 21 months is unacceptable. The Tinubu administration must act now,” he said.
Similarly, Malam Adamu Adamu said the government’s action shows a lack of seriousness about citizens’ welfare, while Madam Angela Udom described the situation as “disgusting and disheartening,” calling on President Tinubu to order the immediate payment of the former chief executives.
Investigations indicate that the plight of the disengaged chief executives has been relegated to the background, with no clear timeline for the resolution of their claims. Sources familiar with the matter said the prolonged delay has left many of the affected individuals financially distressed, forcing some to rely on support from friends and well-wishers to survive.
The over 140 former chief executives are drawn from various key and strategic federal MDAs. Despite their years of service, many are now said to be battling poverty and lack, a situation observers warn could further dampen morale within the public service if left unaddressed.
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