The Tinubu administration's plans to unlock N20 trillion from the nation’s pension funds might be the last straw that will break the camel's back.

The pension fund represents not merely a financial asset but a sacred covenant, a funded liability earmarked explicitly to ensure the dignified retirement of countless hardworking Nigerians.

Withdrawals from the pension fund entail a cascade of detrimental consequences that extend far beyond immediate fiscal concerns. At its core, the pension fund symbolizes a commitment—a promise made to the workforce, guaranteeing security and stability during their retirement years. To tamper with this fund is to undermine the very foundation of this commitment, jeopardizing the financial security and well-being of retirees.

Furthermore, the pension fund is not a reservoir of discretionary resources but rather a meticulously structured financial vehicle designed to meet future obligations. Any deviation from its intended purpose not only breaches fiduciary responsibility but also jeopardizes the long-term sustainability of retirement benefits. With Nigeria facing demographic shifts and an aging population, it is paramount to preserve the integrity of the pension fund to meet the burgeoning demands of retirees in the years to come.
Beyond its ethical and moral dimensions, the withdrawal of funds from the pension pot poses tangible economic risks. These funds are not idle assets but are actively invested to generate returns, thereby contributing to the overall growth and stability of the economy. Any diminishment of the pension fund disrupts these investments, potentially impeding economic progress and exacerbating financial volatility.

In essence, the withdrawal of funds from the pension fund represents a perilous gamble—one that imperils the financial security of retirees, undermines the integrity of the social contract, and threatens the economic prosperity of the nation.

There is no better way to increase corruption, looting of public fund, zero accountability and unpatriotism, than indirectly letting civil servants realize that their future is not secured.
In that case, they will secure their future by all means, and teach those coming behind them to do likewise. Even antigraft agencies will also find means to secure their own futures too.
And when nobody watches the watchdog, we will be finished.