In a move that has attracted attention and sparked debate, Gbenga Daniel, a former governor of Ogun State, has explained his decision to request the state government to halt his pension benefits as a former state Governor. Senator Daniel, now representing Ogun East Senatorial District in the National Assembly, cited his desire to avoid receiving double remuneration since returning to public service after a 12-year hiatus.
He referenced a court judgment obtained by the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) that emphasized the ineligibility of individuals for dual payments, particularly if they hold another public office. Daniel, in an appearance on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily, stated, “Naturally, a human being should not be entitled to double remuneration.” His intention was to ensure that matters are handled properly, and he urged the Governor to discontinue the monthly pension payments, promising to revisit the issue in accordance with the law once his term in the Senate concludes.
“I remember there was indeed a court judgement which SERAP got basically saying that people should not be entitled to double payment, especially if you now have another kind of public office. But even before then, naturally, a human being should not be entitled to double remuneration,” Daniel said on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Tuesday.
“So, for me like I said earlier on, for about 12 years I was not in public service, now that I am back in public service let me just make sure that I tidy things up and somebody just pointed out to me and say why don’t I just remind the governor that I am not here and he should please stop the monthly pension that he was paying and hopefully when I am out of the Senate we check what the law says.”
The decision by Senator Daniel to suspend his pension has generated a wide range of public reactions, highlighting a growing trend of dissatisfaction with public figures in the country. These reactions indicate that what was once considered normal is now viewed as unusual, and skepticism abounds regarding officials’ adherence to ethical standards. Senator Daniel believes that this response underscores the need for public servants to set positive examples and prioritize societal values.
Daniel, who governed Ogun State from 2003 to 2011, was elected to represent Ogun East in the 10th National Assembly earlier this year. In a tweet last Thursday, he explained that his decision to suspend his monthly payment of N676,376.95 was driven by a sense of “good conscience.” He clarified that, apart from the pension, he had not benefited from any other welfare package since leaving office in 2011, including medical, transportation, or furniture allowances.
However, the revelation that former governors in Nigeria receive substantial pensions while retired civil servants struggle to obtain their meager pensions has taken many by surprise. It draws attention to the country’s lowest minimum wage globally, as reported by Picodi, a global e-commerce company. The report, which examined minimum wages in 67 countries across six continents, revealed that Nigerian workers receive the lowest minimum wage, with the lowest earners taking home a meager $68. This stark reality challenges Nigeria’s self-proclaimed status as the “Giant of Africa.”
It is worth noting that as of 2023, the minimum wage in Nigeria remains unchanged at 30,000 NGN/month (equivalent to 64.861 USD/month). The minimum wage for employees ranges from 18,000 NGN/month to a maximum of 30,000 NGN/month. Workers in Nigeria are compelled to accept paltry wages in an economy plagued by severe crises, while former governors enjoy luxurious lifestyles, including sending their children to schools abroad, even after their tenures end, as they continue to receive substantial pensions.
President Bola Tinubu, prior to his inauguration, pledged to provide a living wage, describing the existing national minimum wage as inadequate. However, since assuming office, he has yet to address the issue, leaving his promise unfulfilled. With four years remaining in his term, Nigerians eagerly await action on this critical matter.
Given the revelations surrounding pensions for public officers and the stark disparities between their benefits and the struggles faced by the average worker, the question arises: Should pensions for public officers be abolished? This inquiry prompts a broader discussion on the need for equitable compensation and the urgency to address the existing wage gap in Nigeria.
