FG bows to pressure, begins payment of ex-servicemen’s entitlements

The Federal Government began paying the outstanding entitlements of military retirees on Friday, after months of delays despite prior approvals for payment.

The retirees, who had been told there were no funds available, were owed a 20% to 28% salary increase covering January to November 2024.

Frustrated by unfulfilled promises, the retirees took to protest on Thursday, shutting down the Ministry of Finance. Equipped with chairs, canopies, and sleeping mats, they made it clear they would not back down until their pensions and other benefits were paid.

Their demands included overdue palliatives from October 2023 to November 2024, an additional N32,000 added to their pensions, bulk payment of the Security Debarment Allowance, and a refund for pension deductions from medically boarded soldiers.

Following their protest, some retirees reported receiving their long-awaited benefits. Abiodun Durowaiye-Herbert, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Retired Members of the Nigerian Armed Forces, confirmed that retirees had started receiving their entitlements, which is why the protest did not continue on Friday.

Minister of Defence for State, Bello Matawalle, praised President Tinubu for his ongoing commitment to the welfare of military personnel, both serving and retired. He assured that the payment of pension arrears would continue to be a priority.

Additionally, Matawalle confirmed that the government had begun processing the three-month salary increase for military personnel, with retirees already receiving alerts about the increase.