Retired Military Pensioners Stage Protest at Finance Ministry Over Unpaid Benefits
By Patience Ikpeme
A group of retired military pensioners staged a protest at the Federal Ministry of Finance on Tuesday, demanding the immediate payment of their outstanding benefits.
The protest, a continuation of a similar demonstration held in December 2024, saw a large number of ex-soldiers gather at the ministry’s entrance, expressing their displeasure over the government’s failure to fulfill its promises regarding their entitlements.
Their grievances include: a 20%-28% salary increment for the period between January and November 2024; unpaid palliatives from October 2023 to November 2024; an additional N32,000 pension increment; full payment of the Security Debarment Allowance and refund of pension deductions from medically boarded soldiers’ salaries.
Despite government approval for these payments, insufficient funds have been cited as the reason for the delay.
Despite pleas from ministry officials, the retired military personnel vowed to continue their protest until their demands are met.
Security personnel were present at the scene to maintain order, and the protest remained peaceful as of the time of reporting.
The protest underscores the ongoing challenges faced by retired military personnel in receiving their rightful benefits and highlights the need for the government to address their concerns promptly and effectively.
