The Federal Government began disbursing long-overdue entitlements to retired military personnel on Tuesday, following a prolonged protest at the Ministry of Finance headquarters in Abuja. The veterans, who had gathered early in the day, started receiving payment alerts while still at the protest ground.
The ex-servicemen had barricaded the ministry’s entrance as early as 7 a.m., using canopies and chairs to block access and prevent staff members from entering the premises. This demonstration, which echoed similar protests held in December 2024, was aimed at pressuring the government to fulfill its promises regarding the payment of their entitlements.
For months, the retirees had been told there were insufficient funds to clear their claims, despite official approval for the payments. They are owed a 20% to 28% salary increment covering January to November 2024, alongside other outstanding benefits. These include palliatives for the period between October 2023 and November 2024, an additional ₦32,000 to be added to their pensions, bulk payment of the Security Debarment Allowance, and refunds of pension deductions for medically boarded soldiers.
During their December protests, the government paid 50% of the owed entitlements and pledged to settle the balance. However, the retirees resumed demonstrations after the promised payments failed to materialize.
On Tuesday, as efforts by police officers, security agencies, and senior ministry officials to dissuade the protesters proved futile, the Chairman of the Military Pension Board, Air Vice Marshal Paul Irumheson, addressed the retirees, confirming that the funds had been transferred to the board.
“We have received the money for the payment of your entitlements, and in the next few minutes, you will start seeing your alerts. We plead with you to leave as we are making efforts to ensure everyone gets paid,” he said.
Shortly thereafter, the retirees began receiving credit alerts. The spokesperson for the Coalition for Concerned Veterans, Abiodun Durowaiye-Herberts, confirmed the development, stating, “Our people have started receiving the alerts. We are now evacuating the ministry headquarters to return to our various homes.”
Another veteran leader, Chief Aliyu Umar, expressed frustration with the government’s earlier handling of the situation. “Yes, we have started receiving our money. They said there was no money—so where did this come from? Do we always have to protest before we are given our entitlements?”
The retirees’ action highlights ongoing challenges with timely payments for military pensions and benefits, raising questions about the government’s commitment to honoring its obligations to veterans.
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