Life in retirement: a qualitative study of pensioners in Ibadan, Nigeria

Abstract

The study investigated life in retirement among Nigerian pensioners against the backdrop of economic strain and non-payment of pensions and gratuities. The study relied on both primary and secondary data generated from the pensioners themselves and information from newspapers, magazines, academic journals and books. The participants consisted of 32 pensioners selected from three local governments in Ibadan metropolis, namely, Ibadan North, Ibadan North East and Ibadan North West. There was no rigid sampling process. Interviews were conducted as pensioners or retirees were found and consented to participating in the study. The study also utilized the snowball sampling approach, whereby a retiree volunteered information leading to the identification of retirees. The study adopts content analysis for data sorting and each key comment is illustrated with selected verbatim quotes from the study participants which represent the views that were expressed by the respondents. Findings show that pensioners are passing through psychological trauma in Nigeria due to non-payment of their pensions and gratuities. Consequently, some of them have died of hunger, depression and preventable ailment. In attempt to avoid untimely death, some of the pensioners have engaged in all kinds of odd jobs such as alms begging, night guards, petty trading and small scale farming. The policy implication of the study is also discussed.

IFE PsychologIA Vol. 14(2) 2006: 245-262