Retired Military Personnel Protest in Abuja Over Unpaid Entitlements
On Thursday, retired military personnel shut down the Federal Ministry of Finance in Abuja over unpaid entitlements. They accused the government of not fulfilling their 20% to 28% salary increase promises for 2024. The retirees also demanded the payment of overdue palliative allowances, pension increases, and refunds for deductions made from medically boarded soldiers’ pensions.
Demands of the Retirees
The protesters, who brought sleeping mats, chairs, and canopies to the protest ground, have made several demands. Among these is the payment of the owed salary increments, the palliative allowances for the period between October 2023 and November 2024, and an increase of N32,000 to their pensions. The group also called for the bulk payment of the Security Debarment Allowance and a refund of the pension deductions made from soldiers who had been medically discharged. The situation has caused growing frustration among the retirees, who have faced financial hardships due to the lack of payment.
Military Pensioner’s Leader Speaks Out
Col. Innocent Azubuike (retd.) expressed frustration over the delay in payments, citing lack of cash backing as the cause. Despite government assurances, retirees were informed that their entitlements could not be paid due to unallocated funds. This delay has worsened the hardship faced by military retirees, many of whom rely on these entitlements for survival.
Lack of Progress on Payment
Azubuike further explained that the government had cited a lack of financial backing as the primary reason for the delay. Despite the approvals being in place, the retirees were informed that the lack of funds had caused the delay in their payments. The situation is particularly frustrating for retirees who were led to believe that their payments were a priority. The Federal Ministry of Finance has yet to provide a concrete solution, leaving the military pensioners uncertain about when they will finally receive their payments.
Impact on Civil Servants and Military Personnel
The protest has gained attention not only because of the retirees’ demands but also because of the potential implications for other civil servants and military personnel. With many of the pensioners having served in various capacities throughout the country, the failure to meet their financial obligations raises concerns about the government’s commitment to supporting its veterans. As the protest continues, it remains unclear when the government will address the issue and restore confidence among the military pensioners and the wider public.
Government’s Response to the Protest
In response to the protests, government officials have yet to make a formal statement addressing the retirees’ grievances. However, the Ministry of Finance has pledged to look into the matter, and efforts to find a resolution are ongoing. With growing pressure from the retirees and widespread public attention, the government faces the challenge of restoring trust and meeting the long-overdue obligations to its military veterans. The outcome of the protest could have significant ramifications for the treatment of retired personnel across all government sectors.
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