Nigeria News (Standard)
UK Gen Z Workers Abandon Pension Contributions Amid Soaring Living Costs
Government warns many young people could retire with lower private pension income as over 2.5 million opt out
Government warns many young people could retire with lower private pension income as over 2.5 million opt out
Young workers across the United Kingdom are increasingly pulling out of workplace pension schemes, as the steep rise in living expenses forces many to prioritise daily survival over long-term retirement planning. The development, which has drawn concern from government officials, comes as more Gen Z and millennial employees say they must choose rent, food and immediate family responsibilities above saving for their future.
According to figures released by the UK Department for Work and Pensions, about 2.5 million eligible workers are currently not contributing to workplace pension plans, despite around 22.6 million—representing about 90 percent—still enrolled nationwide. Many cite mounting bills and stagnant wages as reasons for opting out, with some warning they simply cannot afford deductions from their monthly pay at this time.
This shift is illustrated by the experience of Hassan Nassar, a 26-year-old trainee doctor in England, who recently stopped his £430 monthly contribution to his NHS pension scheme in September. Nassar said he needed the funds to support a sick family member and keep up with rent and student loan repayments. “People will say, you’re silly, look at what you’ll be missing out in the future. But I need to look at what I’d be losing now if I didn’t opt out,” Nassar explained during an interview.
Similarly, Evie, a 22-year-old worker from Cornwall, stated that she could not balance rent, transport costs and food expenses while also saving for a house or car if she continued paying into her pension. “I don’t want to just work day in, day out to live, I want to work to have a life,” she said.
The UK government has flagged this trend as potentially damaging for the next generation of retirees. Pensions Minister Torsten Bell noted that younger workers risk having lower private pension incomes than those retiring today if current patterns persist. “There is a danger tomorrow’s retirees are on track for lower private pension incomes than today’s,” Bell stated.
Financial experts have also cautioned that opting out means young workers miss out on employer contributions and decades of compound investment growth—factors that can significantly increase retirement savings over time. April Leeson, a financial adviser, advised young people to think carefully before withdrawing from their pensions as early contributions are often the most valuable due to longer growth periods.
This reality is one many Nigerians can relate to: with inflation rising and household costs biting harder each month at home and abroad, planning for retirement is becoming less feasible for millions who must focus first on getting through today.
Source: https://www.pulse.ng/story/uk-gen-z-opting-out-workplace-pensions-2026100211240566978
Nigeria News (Standard)
NSCIA Expands National Executive Council to Strengthen Muslim Representation Nationwide
Islamic council increases leadership body size, aims for broader inclusion of stakeholders across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones
Islamic council increases leadership body size, aims for broader inclusion of stakeholders across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones
The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has announced the expansion of its National Executive Council, a move aimed at deepening representation and strengthening the council’s capacity to address Muslim affairs across Nigeria. The development was made public on Monday, 5 October 2026, following a meeting of top council officials in Abuja.
According to the statement released after the meeting, the NSCIA leadership resolved to increase the number of seats on its executive body. The council said this adjustment will allow for greater input from Muslim leaders and scholars from all six geopolitical zones, reflecting the diverse interests and challenges faced by Nigeria’s Muslim community.
The decision comes at a time when many stakeholders in the Islamic community have called for more inclusive governance structures within faith-based organisations. The council noted that as Nigeria’s Muslim population continues to grow and diversify, it is critical that leadership bodies remain responsive to changing realities. The expanded executive is expected to facilitate improved consultation and coordination on religious matters affecting education, social welfare, and interfaith relations.
In its official statement, the NSCIA emphasised that “the expansion will enhance collaboration among stakeholders and ensure that voices from every region are properly represented.” While no specific figures were disclosed regarding the number of new seats or names of new appointees, the council assured members that transparency and merit would guide all selections. Attempts to reach opposition or dissenting voices within the council were unsuccessful as at press time.
The NSCIA said it will release a full list of new executive council members following its next general assembly. Observers say this move could influence policy directions within Nigeria’s wider religious landscape over the coming months.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Lagos Tenant Discovers Landlord’s Father Buried Beneath Living Room After Over a Year
Landlord’s family exhumes remains in Surulere flat, pledges to repair sitting room after tenant expresses shock
Landlord’s family exhumes remains in Surulere flat, pledges to repair sitting room after tenant expresses shock
A Lagos tenant, identified as Mr Bachelor, has revealed he lived for more than a year in a Surulere apartment without knowing his landlord’s late father was buried beneath the living room floor. The discovery was made on September 20, 2026, when members of the landlord’s family visited the property and informed the tenant of their intention to exhume the remains.
According to Mr Bachelor, who shared details of the incident on X (formerly Twitter), he was in his apartment when the landlord’s relatives arrived and disclosed that their late brother—who is also the landlord’s father—had been buried in the middle of his sitting room. “He was buried right in my living room, and I was not aware until they came around today,” he stated.
The family explained that they planned to move the body to another location they had prepared and assured Mr Bachelor that necessary repairs would be made to his sitting room after the exhumation. The tenant noted that he was the first occupant of the newly built house and had spent over a year there before learning about the burial.
The incident has raised fresh concerns among Lagos residents about transparency from landlords regarding property histories. Some social media users responding to Mr Bachelor’s post urged prospective tenants across Nigeria to conduct due diligence before moving into rental properties. Others called for clearer regulations around residential burials and disclosure by property owners.
As at press time, neither local authorities nor tenants’ rights groups have issued official statements on the matter. The landlord’s family has not provided additional comments beyond assurances of repairs. The situation highlights ongoing gaps in property regulation and tenant protection in Lagos State.
Source: https://www.pulse.ng/story/man-discovers-corpse-buried-under-living-room-2026100506463406930
Nigeria News (Standard)
INEC to Address Nigerians Nationwide as 2027 Election Countdown Reaches 100 Days
Electoral commission prepares public statement amid growing anticipation for next general polls across all states
Electoral commission prepares public statement amid growing anticipation for next general polls across all states
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced plans to address Nigerians nationwide as the countdown to the 2027 general elections hits the 100-day mark. The development, expected to take place across all states, comes as political parties and voters begin preparations for one of the country’s most significant democratic exercises.
According to information from INEC headquarters in Abuja, the commission will issue a formal statement to outline its readiness and call on citizens to participate actively in the electoral process. This move is seen as part of efforts to assure stakeholders of INEC’s commitment to credible and transparent polls, following widespread debates over electoral integrity in recent cycles.
The announcement is particularly significant given Nigeria’s recent history of tightly contested elections, with issues such as voter turnout, technological deployment, and security logistics taking centre stage. Many Nigerians, especially young voters, have expressed concerns about the credibility of past elections and are watching closely for signals of improvement in 2027.
While details of INEC’s planned address remain under wraps, observers expect the commission’s leadership to emphasise the importance of voter registration, collection of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), and adherence to election guidelines. Political analysts note that early communication from INEC could help build public confidence and encourage broader participation ahead of the polls.
With just over three months before Nigerians return to the ballot box, all eyes are on INEC’s next steps. The commission is likely to face scrutiny from both ruling and opposition parties over its preparations. As at Monday, October 5th, no official response has been issued by major political parties regarding INEC’s planned address.
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NSCIA Expands National Executive Council to Strengthen Muslim Representation Nationwide
Lagos Tenant Discovers Landlord’s Father Buried Beneath Living Room After Over a Year
INEC to Address Nigerians Nationwide as 2027 Election Countdown Reaches 100 Days
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