Just In: Protesting Military Retirees Shut Down Finance Ministry Over Unpaid Entitlements

By Onoja Baba, Nigeria

Chaos erupted at the Federal Ministry of Finance (FMoF) Abuja Thursday as retired military personnel stormed the premises, shutting down operations to protest their unpaid entitlements.

The demonstrators, armed with sleeping mats, chairs, and canopies, transformed the ministry’s grounds into a temporary sit-in camp, expressing their frustration with the Federal Government’s failure to fulfill financial promises.

The retirees demanded immediate payment of several outstanding benefits, including a 20% to 28% salary increment from January to November 2024, palliatives owed since October 2023, and an additional N32,000 added to their pensions.

They also called for the bulk payment of the Security Debarment Allowance and reimbursement for deductions made from the pensions of medically boarded soldiers.

Col. Innocent Azubuike (retd.), a key figure in the protest, decried the economic strain on military pensioners caused by the government’s inaction. He revealed that assurances had been made that payments would be cleared by November but blamed the ministry for the delays.

“We were told approval has been secured for the payment of our entitlements. The only thing remaining is cash backing,” Azubuike said. “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 protesters claimed the government’s failure to honor its commitments has plunged many into severe hardship, despite dedicating years of service to the nation.

Attempts to secure a response from finance ministry officials were unsuccessful as of press time.

The retired officers vowed to sustain their protest until their demands are met.