Retired military officers storm finance ministry over unpaid benefits

On Thursday, retired military personnel staged a protest at the Federal Ministry of Finance in Abuja, halting operations to demand payment of their outstanding entitlements.

The ex-servicemen expressed frustration over the government’s failure to pay a promised 20% to 28% salary increment from January to November 2024.

Additionally, they are seeking unpaid palliatives covering October 2023 to November 2024, an increase of N32,000 in their monthly pensions, the full payment of the Security Debarment Allowance, and refunds for deductions made from the pensions of medically discharged soldiers.

Armed with sleeping mats, chairs, and canopies, the retirees vowed to remain at the protest site until their demands were met.

Col. Innocent Azubuike (retd.), one of the group’s leaders, highlighted the severe challenges faced by military pensioners due to the delayed payments. He said the government had previously assured them that their entitlements would be settled by November but cited a lack of funds as the reason for further delays.

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“We were told approval has been secured for the payment of our entitlements. The only thing remaining is cash backing,” Azubuike explained.

He added, “We were told to exercise patience and assured that our long-unpaid entitlements would be settled in November. November is gone, and there is no indication of when this will happen because it’s a matter with the FMoF and not the Ministry of Defence.”

The protest reflects growing dissatisfaction among retired military personnel, who insist that the government must prioritize their welfare and fulfill its financial obligations.

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