By Abigail Philip David
On Tuesday, retired military personnel staged a protest at the Ministry of Finance in Abuja, barricading the entrance with canopies and chairs to demand the full payment of their long-overdue entitlements.
This demonstration comes after a similar protest in December, during which the retirees also shut down the ministry over the government’s failure to settle their claims. Despite official approval for payment, the retirees say they have repeatedly been told there are no funds to clear their entitlements.
The outstanding payments include a 20% to 28% salary increment for the period of January to November 2024, palliatives covering October 2023 to November 2024, an additional N32,000 added to pensions, the bulk payment of the Security Debarment Allowance, and refunds of pension deductions from the salaries of medically discharged soldiers.
In December, the Federal Government responded to the protests by paying 50% of the owed entitlements and promising to settle the remaining balance. However, the retirees claim that the government has failed to honor this promise, prompting their return to the streets.
At the Ministry of Finance, the protesters blocked the entrance, preventing staff from driving into the premises and forcing many to park outside.
The retirees vow to continue their protests until their demands are fully met, emphasizing the hardship caused by the delay in payments.
See pictures below:
