Military pensioners staged a protest at the Federal Ministry of Finance in Abuja on Monday, blocking the main gate and vowing to remain until their outstanding entitlements are paid.
Arriving as early as 8:10 a.m., the retirees set up canopies, brought chairs and mats, and played music on loudspeakers to underscore their determination.
READ ALSO: Bandits allegedly seize Niger military camp
Their demands include the payment of overdue palliatives for October and November 2023, an increment of N32,000 in monthly pensions, bulk disbursement of the Security Debarment Allowance, and reimbursement of deductions from pensions of medically boarded soldiers.
Speaking on behalf of the protesters, retired Colonel Innocent Azubuike expressed frustration over the delays. “We were informed that approval for the payment of our entitlements has been secured, but the cash backing is yet to be provided. November has come and gone, yet there’s no clarity on when payments will be made. The issue lies with the Federal Ministry of Finance, not the Ministry of Defence,” he said.
This marks the second protest at the Ministry of Finance in a month. Recently, civilian pensioners also blocked the Ministry’s gate until Finance Minister Wale Edun addressed them, promising that payments would commence the following week.
The protesting military pensioners, however, insist they will not leave until their demands are met, signaling their resolve for immediate action.
