Retired military personnel staged a protest at the Federal Ministry of Finance in Abuja on Thursday, disrupting operations as they demanded the payment of long-overdue entitlements. The protesters accused the Federal Government of neglecting their welfare and failing to meet financial commitments that date back several months.
The retirees highlighted a range of unresolved issues, including the non-payment of a promised 20% to 28% salary increment from January to November 2024. They also demanded outstanding payments for palliatives from October 2023 to November 2024 and the addition of N32,000 to their monthly pensions.
Other demands included the bulk payment of the Security Debarment Allowance and the refund of deductions made from the pensions of medically boarded soldiers.
One of the group’s leaders, retired Colonel Innocent Azubuike, expressed frustration at the government’s inaction. He described how the delay in payments has caused significant hardship for many retired military personnel who rely on their pensions to survive.
“We were told approval has been secured for the payment of our entitlements. The only thing remaining is cash backing,” Azubuike said.
He revealed that despite being assured that payments would be made in November, the retirees have yet to see any progress.
“November is gone, and there is no indication of when this will happen because it’s a matter with the Federal Ministry of Finance, not the Ministry of Defence,” he added.
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The protesting retirees called on the government to prioritize their welfare and honor its commitments. Many expressed disappointment, noting that their sacrifices for the country should not be met with neglect in their retirement years.
As of the time of the protest, no official response had been issued by the Federal Ministry of Finance regarding the retirees’ grievances.
The protest underscores ongoing tensions between the government and retired military personnel over financial obligations. The retirees vowed to continue pressing for their rights until their entitlements are fully paid, marking another chapter in their long-standing struggle for justice.