In times of loss, Nigerian families anticipate empathy and prompt assistance. However, instead, numerous individuals face an overwhelming amount of documentation, severe delays, and apathetic officials. Expected funeral allowances frequently get stuck within administrative procedures, pushing grieving households to take loans, relinquish rightful claims, or fall into financial hardship during their darkest hour. This report by CHIJIOKE IREMEKA looks at why the system lets both the deceased and survivors down—and considers potential solutions.
When After losing her husband, Beauty Egbuji anticipated that, despite the burden of sorrow she carried, the institution her spouse had dedicated himself to for many years would support her.
It was an idea that provided her with some solace as she saw his condition worsen, a gentle certainty that regardless of what occurred, his family would not face poverty.
Instead, the 63-year-old widow found herself trapped in a maze of bureaucracy that ultimately forced her to abandon the death benefits meant to help her rebuild her life after losing almost everything to her husband’s prolonged hospitalisation.
Her spouse, Bartholomew, spent many years working as an office employee at a private firm in Lagos.
He was convinced that the advantages linked with his job would safeguard his family should he pass away. This conviction kept Egbuji going despite her urgent efforts and limited means to rescue the person who was everything to her. However, following several months of hardship, supplications, and optimism, Bartholomew eventually died from liver illness.
Afterward, Egbuji believed the death benefits associated with her husband's employment would provide some monetary support, particularly since she was dealing with increasing medical costs, burial fees, and the task of caring for their children by herself. For this woman with five kids, that assistance never arrived.
Soon after he passed away, she started the procedure for obtaining the benefits. Without funds to maintain her husband in the morgue forever, she quickly arranged his burial to prevent increasing expenses, expecting the benefits to arrive soon.
The woman whose husband had passed away collected what she thought were the required papers—his death certificate, job records, and evidence of their marriage—and sent them off, assured that the procedure would be simple.
Her optimism was soon shattered.
Each time I visited the office, I was told to return," she stated. "They mentioned that my husband's documents were incomplete, with certain signatures missing. Occasionally, the officers dealing with this issue weren’t present.
Week after week, she returned, for months on end, without progress. All the while, her economic situation worsened.
Egbuji found it difficult to gather money for the funeral ceremonies, which she emphasized held significant cultural and emotional importance to her.
I found the funeral costs overwhelming and exhausting," she remembered. "I was forced to supply all of what my husband's relatives asked for. They showed no concern for what might happen to me or our children afterward.
Still grieving, Egbuji continued to shuttle between her home and the Pension Fund Administrator’s office on Lagos Island, hoping for a breakthrough.
Alternatively, she faced the harsh truth of red tape: authorities told her that the procedure might take as many as six lengthy months before any money became available.
When I found out about it, I didn’t have any options," she stated. "I had to ask relatives and friends for assistance to perform the fundamental funeral rituals and continue forward. The aid I received wasn’t sufficient, so I took a high-interest loan from an online lending service called Opay, assuming I could pay it back using the support I’d receive following the funeral. That turned out to be my greatest error.
Following the funeral, she mentioned that the anticipated financial assistance failed to arrive. Soon after, the lending agency started contacting her non-stop. As interest accumulated every day and with no earnings or aid forthcoming, she claimed her psychological well-being started to deteriorate.
"I had absolutely nothing remaining. Those who were supposed to assist me offered little support. Calls began arriving, and I wasn't able to cover the payments. I was experiencing a mental breakdown," she remembered, eyes filled with tears.
She mentioned that the funeral further increased her sorrow. Multiple groups left the service as she was unable to satisfy their requirements.
My father-in-law's ancestors demanded that I offer them one leg of a cow and a large Hausa goat before they would recognize the funeral," she stated. "They claimed my husband did not bring my children to meet them before his death, so I needed to compensate for that.
The umuada, who were her husband's sisters, wed outsiders from beyond the community and also departed the compound as an act of defiance.
As per Egbuji, they were upset about the meal provided at the funeral gathering.
We prepared jollof rice for all and didn't consider making an additional soup," she said. "Customs prevented me from moving about to clarify things, but I overheard them arguing throughout the night. We apologized and believed everything had been resolved, yet they left the following morning.
For Egbuji, losing her husband was just the start of an extended struggle characterized by bureaucratic slowdowns, societal expectations, and a system that, according to her, let her down at the moment she required support the most.
The grieving woman expressed sorrow, stating that if she had gotten the funds, there would not have been a problem at the burial.
“I did the little I could. I was harassed and humiliated, but I am fine,” she said.
Following the funeral, she exhausted her finances, making everyday existence difficult. Sunday PUNCH discovered that rent, tuition costs, and essential home expenses soon turned into ongoing concerns.
Friends and relatives offered what help they could, but their support was little more than a drop in an ocean, insufficient to ease the mounting pressures that weighed heavily on her.
She lamented the rising transport costs, repeated document reprints, and lost income from the informal work she depended on to survive, which ultimately forced her to put the claim on hold, for the time being.
Without access to these advantages, she had no alternative but to endure difficult compromises, such as moving to cheaper accommodation and delaying her children's schooling. Egbuji’s challenge is not uncommon. In various parts of Nigeria, many worker families face similar challenging obstacles, and at times, widows who happen to be supported by strong community ties must resort to legal means to obtain what they deserve.
I spent three years waiting to get mine
In a different instance, the unexpected passing of Mr. Adekunle Olaitan in March 2018 following a short illness came as a heartbreaking loss for his wife, Fatima.
In the midst of her sorrow, she held onto the belief that her deceased husband's pension payments would offer some monetary support and assist her in starting anew.
Adekunle consistently deposited into his Retirement Savings Account for over 15 years during his employment with a private building firm in Lagos through an authorized Pension Fund Manager. Shortly following his demise, Fatima went to her late spouse's place of work to begin the procedure for collecting the life insurance payout.
"I was requested to apply in order to receive his advantages and begin a new life. I was informed it might require some time. I wished to utilize it to launch an enterprise and provide for my kids, yet I wasn't aware it would last for many years," she mentioned.
In June 2018, Fatima, who was expecting a child, visited the PFA office for the first time and was provided with an extensive set of documents needed, such as her husband's death certificate, administrative letters, marriage certificate, banking information, passport-sized photos, and sworn statements.
She attempted to handle the procedure by herself, yet it soon turned out to be too much.
The grieving woman sought advice from friends, similar to how the Ministry of Justice had provided her with a legal representative to communicate with her deceased husband's office, yet minimal advancement occurred.
Six months later, in January 2020, I submitted the complete application. The PFA acknowledged receiving it and assured me they would send the papers to the National Pension Commission (PenCom) for authorization. Several weeks went by without any reply. Every time I visited, the outcome was identical: 'Ma’am, kindly remain patient. Your case is still being examined,' she mentioned.
As time passed, Fatima's financial condition deteriorated. She disposed of home goods, took loans from family members, and launched a modest catering venture just to get by. The restrictions imposed due to the COVID-19 pandemic slowed down her efforts, with companies shutting down or functioning at reduced levels. For almost an entire year, she had no news whatsoever.
"In 2021, the PFA informed me that certain documents required re-validation due to the postponement. Although I felt disheartened, I followed through. I resubmitted banking verifications and revised sworn statements, and towards the end of that year, I got a telephone call indicating approval of my application and the availability of benefits," she mentioned.
Although the money could not bring back her husband, it helped restore her self-respect. Her story highlights that perseverance, accurate records, and knowing how the pension system works are essential for receiving support.
A system in crisis
In numerous Nigerian households, the passing of the primary income earner signals the beginning of another challenge: a demanding effort to obtain the expected death-related advantages.
A death payout refers to funds provided by a life insurance provider to an individual designated as the recipient upon the insured person's passing.
Usually tax-exempt and distributed as a single payment, this amount aims to offer financial support for the dependents of the deceased person. The recipients may consist of spouses, children, additional family members, friends, trust funds, charitable organizations, or companies.
However, in reality, what is intended as a support system frequently turns into a complex network of postponements, changing conditions, and bureaucratic apathy that intensifies sorrow and drives households into financial hardship.
Throughout the nation, grieving partners share comparable struggles involving extensive paperwork, multiple office appointments, and ever-changing conditions.
"Each time I came back, there was a different shape or another reason," stated Grace Ovie, a widowed woman from Lagos, who gave up her case.
I felt grief-stricken and yet continued to be viewed as someone seeking what was already ours. The pressure from that intense process shattered me. I needed to release it.
She mentioned that the procedure usually requires death certificates, work history documents, evidence of kinship, and confirmation from various organizations.
Families with few resources find the pressure unbearable.
"Transport expenses, time lost from employment, and charges for handling documents can accumulate rapidly. They inform you to return next week, yet 'next week' turns into 'next month.' This continues even as the urgency for funds increases," she said.
Professionals claim the issue lies not in the lack of policies but in their ineffective execution.
Nigeria possesses structures for death compensation, retirement allowances, and coverage, but these mechanisms fall short in practice.
"The problem stems from disjointed systems, handwritten documentation, and an absence of responsibility. Affected families bear the consequences of these flaws," stated a labor rights activist and attorney named Charles Ibezimakor.
He mentioned that delays compel families to seek out unofficial loans, requiring them to take money to pay for funerals and everyday costs while they wait for assistance that might not come through.
This creates significant stress for families, particularly for widows, who frequently resort to borrowing simply to afford burial expenses. They take loans because funeral home charges increase every day, required mourning ceremonies need to be carried out, and additional fees accumulate.
"If these advantages came with a defined schedule and were provided quickly, grieving families wouldn't have to take on debt simply to afford burial expenses for their primary earners," the attorney stated.
He highlighted that the lack of defined deadlines and specialized assistance personnel during the documentation process worsens the issue. Numerous recipients, especially older widows, find themselves struggling with complicated terminology and intricate applications without help.
"Extended delays weaken confidence in government bodies and deter individuals from making further requests. In certain instances, benefits go uncollected over many years as households lose hope. If processes become overly complicated, people tend to withdraw," Ibezimakor noted.
Gideon Adegoroye, a specialist in social insurance policies, cautioned that administrative intricacies, if not eliminated and properly handled, may ultimately transform social protection into social isolation.
"At minimum, there must be respect. These individuals are at their most fragile," he stated, emphasizing that without these changes, postponed death compensation will keep harming Nigerian households, turning expected assistance into extended hardship, and sorrow into an administrative struggle none should face.
Reality versus policy
Although official regulations state that death benefits must be handled between two and eight business days, in practice, claimants frequently experience delays lasting several months or even multiple years. The example of Martha Davou, who endured a waiting period of 19 years, serves as a clear example.
A plateau widower takes legal action against the government due to postponed payments Widow from Plateau initiates lawsuit against authorities for late financial support Woman from Plateau files court case against state over slow benefit distribution
In 1992, when Samuel Davou began working at the Plateau State Government's Ministry of Education as a young educator, he aimed for long-term dedication to ensure his family's stability.
For over a decade, he taught across the state, ending his career at Government Secondary School, Mangu Halle.
On March 9, 2004, he died while in active service. Nearly two decades later, his death benefits remain unpaid.
Following many years of broken commitments, his wife, Martha, and his sibling, Ayuba, secured the legal papers needed to claim his pension and final payment.
"In 2005, a document created by the officials indicated that my deceased husband's overall benefit amounted to N670,379.39," Martha stated.
To the family, this amount signified much more than just financial support; it aimed to ease the hardship caused by the departure of a provider who had worked faithfully for over a decade. However, the compensation was never received.
Multiple visits, check-ins, and petitions did not lead to any success. The Plateau State Government stated that the death benefits were distributed in groups and that the widow did not appear for confirmation when her group was selected.
Martha disagreed, stating that she met all conditions and was not adequately notified.
As time passed, inflation gradually reduced the worth of the unpaid benefit. Although salaries increased and the cost of living kept rising, her husband's pension stayed fixed at its 2004 level, increasing the economic pressure on the widow and her household.
Battle for survival
In September 2023, almost 19 years following Davou's passing, Martha went to the National Industrial Court of Nigeria in Jos, presided over by Judge I.S. Galadima.
She requested a ruling stating that the sum of N670,379.39 calculated in 2005 was legally owed and represented a pension entitlement safeguarded by Section 210 of the 1999 Constitution (amended).
She claimed that as her husband had attained retirement eligibility prior to passing away, the family was eligible for both the initial sum and all legal safeguards provided to retirees, such as regular pension evaluations and lump sums tied to salary rises and changes in the minimum wage.
Based on these clauses, she asked for an adjustment in her benefits calculation, using the amount a government employee retiring in 2023 from the Ministry of Education at Grade Level Nine, Step Six would get, which totals N2,985,840.
She claimed that any lower figure would enable the government to keep violating constitutional protections.
In addition to financial compensation, the legal action also requested N10 million as damages for almost 20 years of distress, anguish, and emotional turmoil experienced by the family.
As per official court records secured by our reporter, the Plateau State Administration was directed by the court to remit the total amount of N670,379.39 to Martha, which reflects her spouse's pension and final settlement calculated in 2005.
It additionally granted N3,000,000 in general compensation for the extended suffering experienced by the family.
For households such as the Davous, waiting periods are more than mere bureaucratic errors; they represent transformative acts of unfairness.
This specific instance highlights an ongoing issue within Nigeria's government workforce: death compensation that remains theoretical rather than being actually provided.
Procedure for claims
Oscar Erahbor, an insurance specialist experienced in death benefit claims, stated that the closest relatives must submit necessary paperwork to file a claim.
These include:
- Death Medical Certificate / Cause of Death
- Copy of the Certificate of Death Registration (if applicable)
- Accident Investigation Report (when death occurs unintentionally)
- Document for Estate Management or Last Will presented to the Court of Probate
- Statement of Desire/Proof of Appointment of Next of Kin (NOK)
He stated, "Furthermore, proof of identity for the Next-of-Kin, like a driver's license, is needed. The NOK should supply the Death Benefit Account number along with banking information to the relevant Ministry, Department, Agency, or overseeing body of the deceased person to help process the payment of life insurance benefits."
All funds from a life insurance policy should be deposited into the RSA of the departed individual or into a DBA established by the Next of Kin. According to the Pension Reform Act 2004, it is illegal for any organization or authority to transfer life insurance money directly to the NOK or recipients.
Erahbor mentioned that when no legitimate heirs are specified in the policy, the death benefit is typically distributed to the decedent's estate.
In support of this, a 2009 PenCom directive, retrieved during this inquiry, detailed the process for handling death benefit applications.
Under Section 9(3) of the Pension Reform Act 2004, every employer must keep a life insurance policy covering employees for a minimum amount equal to three times their yearly total earnings.
A notice bearing reference code PenCom/DG/09/016/2, issued by ex-Director General MK Ahmad on April 30, 2009, and entitled "Process for Handling Death Benefit Applications of Deceased Federal Civil Servants," instructs Pension Desk Officials from various ministries and agencies to submit death benefit requests to their respective higher-ups.
Following the introduction of life insurance schemes by the Office of the Head of the Federal Civil Service and various other organizations, the Commission stopped handling death benefit applications starting from January 1, 2009. The supervisory bodies should coordinate with the insurance firms providing these plans to make sure the funds are paid out to the respective next-of-kin of the late employees.
"The NOK or MDA must coordinate with the PFA to handle final benefits, such as payments owed for services before June 2004 and unpaid contributions and balances within the RSA," the memorandum noted.
If an employee has passed away and does not have an RSA, the next of kin can contact any PFA to establish a DBA, allowing for the payment of accumulated pension benefits and life insurance funds.
N274 billion distributed as life insurance payments within five years – PenCom
PenCom revealed that approximately 45,976 recipients were paid a total of N274.34 billion in death benefits during the last five years.
According to data from the Pension Industry Performance Dashboard, the largest sum for death benefits was recorded in 2024 at N82.22 billion, which went to 10,451 recipients. In 2022, 10,631 individuals received a total of N59.6 billion, whereas in 2021, 8,327 people were paid N42.83 billion.
In 2020, 6,731 recipients got a total of N31.09 billion, while in 2023, 9,836 individuals received N58.6 billion.
Furthermore, 176,424 individuals who were temporarily unemployed under the Contributory Pension Scheme were paid a total of N134.94 billion in benefits.
Why are death benefits postponed?
PenCom cited extended timelines due to thorough checks conducted by PFAs aimed at preventing incorrect disbursements. Ladipupo Ishola, Principal Manager at PenCom’s South-West Regional Office, stated that such actions help safeguard against fraudulent activities.
He referenced an instance in which a man who had been declared deceased was found to be alive during a review visit, despite his wife having already filed for benefits.
PFAs also enter into liability agreements with PenCom, taking monetary accountability for incorrect benefit payments.
"Delays aren't about holding back money without reason; they're about making sure the correct individual receives payment," Ishola pointed out.
He mentioned that unclear or contradictory next-of-kin information frequently leads to conflicts. "Select an individual who is near, available, and trustworthy; this can make a significant impact during claim handling," he recommended.
PenCom further instructed PFAs to examine death certificates, validate Letters of Administration, check the identity of administrators and guarantors, reach out to employers for confirmation of demise, and make sure that the next of kin's passport photographs and identification documents are authenticated.
Proposed solutions
A business and human rights attorney, Ms. Favour Ndukwe, stated that the ongoing delays and challenges highlight the necessity for improved execution, responsibility, and comprehension of existing regulations.
She suggested enforceable timelines for claims and penalties for MDAs, PFAs, or insurers that fail to comply.
The digitalization and consolidation of the system, as highlighted by Ndukwe, would reduce instances of documents being lost and slow verification processes.
She further suggested establishing death benefit assistance centers within MDAs and PFAs, manned by qualified individuals to assist recipients throughout the procedure.
A labor law specialist, Emerson Emenike, argued that families, particularly widows, must not face the consequences of systemic failures.
"Verification is essential, yet after the main documents have been provided, further requests should be kept to a minimum. Those receiving assistance reach out to organizations during their most difficult times; respect, compassion, and quick response should direct all communications," he stated.
Emenike noted that without these changes being implemented, death benefits remain more like a written guarantee rather than actual assistance, transforming what ought to be an essential lifeline into a long-term battle for existence.
Supplied by SyndiGate Media Inc. ( Syndigate.info ).
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