Federal Government Begins Payment Of Entitlements To Military Retirees After Protests

The Federal Government, on Friday, commenced the payment of outstanding entitlements owed to retired military personnel following months of delayed disbursements. The retirees, who had been informed previously of a lack of funds despite approved payments, were owed salary increments ranging from 20% to 28% for the period covering January to November 2024.

Protests at the Ministry of Finance

Frustrated by prolonged delays and broken assurances, the retirees staged a sit-in protest at the Ministry of Finance on Thursday. Armed with chairs, canopies, and sleeping mats, the protesters demonstrated their determination to demand immediate action.

Their demands included:

•Payment of salary increments from January to November 2024.

•Palliatives for October 2023 to November 2024.

•An additional N32,000 added to their pensions.

•Bulk payment of the Security Debarment Allowance.

•Refund of pension deductions for medically boarded soldiers.

The protest highlighted the mounting frustration among the retirees over the government’s perceived lack of urgency in addressing their plight.

Commencement of Payments

Following the protests, some retirees began receiving their long-overdue entitlements. Abiodun Durowaiye-Herbert, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Retired Members of the Nigerian Armed Forces, confirmed the development. “We have started receiving our benefits; that was why the protest did not hold today,” he said.

In addition to the retirees’ entitlements, the government also began implementing a three-month salary increment for serving military personnel. Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his commitment to military welfare, emphasizing that pension arrears and salary adjustments would remain a priority.

Government’s Commitment to Military Welfare

In a statement by the Director of Information and Public Relations, Henshaw Ogubike, Matawalle confirmed that payment alerts for the salary increments had been received. The minister reassured both active and retired military personnel that their welfare would continue to receive critical attention.

Broader Implications

The resolution of this issue marks a significant step in addressing the welfare concerns of military personnel, a critical constituency in Nigeria’s governance and security framework. However, the delay in payments and the necessity of protests to prompt action have raised concerns about the government’s responsiveness and fiscal management.

The government’s ability to sustain these commitments and prevent similar crises in the future will remain a key test of its approach to military welfare and broader public sector reforms.