The Nigerian Federal Government initiated the disbursement of long-awaited entitlements to military retirees, resolving a protracted period of uncertainty and frustration for the veterans. These retirees had been persistently informed of a lack of funds to settle their dues, despite official approval for payment. The outstanding entitlements encompassed a salary increment ranging from 20% to 28%, covering the period from January to November 2024. This delayed compensation created significant financial strain and resentment among the affected retirees, culminating in a protest demonstration at the Ministry of Finance.
Driven by repeated unfulfilled promises and mounting financial pressures, the retirees took decisive action, staging a protest at the Ministry of Finance to demand immediate payment of their pensions and other outstanding benefits. The demonstration underscored the retirees’ unwavering determination to secure their rightful entitlements. Equipped with chairs, canopies, and sleeping mats, they occupied the ministry premises, signaling their resolve to remain until their demands were met. Their grievances encompassed a range of issues beyond the salary increment, including overdue palliative payments, an additional monthly allowance, bulk payment of a security debarment allowance, and a refund of pension deductions from the salaries of medically discharged soldiers.
The protest proved effective in prompting the government to address the retirees’ concerns. Following the demonstration, the retirees began receiving notifications of payments for their long-overdue benefits. This positive development marked a significant victory for the veterans, affirming the power of collective action in securing their rightful entitlements. Confirmation of the payment commencement came from Abiodun Durowaiye-Herbert, Chairman of the Board of Trustee for Retired Members of the Nigerian Armed Forces. This confirmation brought a sense of relief and closure to the retirees who had endured months of financial uncertainty.
The government’s responsiveness to the retirees’ demands was acknowledged and commended by Bello Matawalle, the Minister of State for Defence. Matawalle attributed the payment initiation to President Tinubu’s steadfast commitment to the welfare of both serving and retired military personnel. He reinforced the government’s dedication to prioritizing the timely payment of pension arrears, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and honoring the sacrifices made by military personnel. Matawalle’s statement served as an assurance of the government’s ongoing commitment to addressing the financial concerns of military retirees.
Further solidifying the government’s commitment to improving the financial well-being of military personnel, Matawalle also announced the commencement of payments for a three-month salary increase for active-duty military members. This additional financial boost reflected the government’s recognition of the dedication and sacrifices made by those serving in the armed forces. The confirmation of payment alerts being received by military personnel provided tangible evidence of the government’s commitment to enhancing their financial stability. This move was seen as a positive step towards boosting morale and recognizing the valuable contributions of military personnel.
In conclusion, the payment of outstanding entitlements to military retirees marked a significant development in addressing the long-standing concerns of veterans. The retirees’ persistent advocacy and decisive protest action played a crucial role in prompting the government’s response. The government’s acknowledgment of the issue and subsequent commitment to resolving it underscored the importance of ensuring the financial well-being of those who have served the nation. The commencement of payments, coupled with the announcement of a salary increase for active-duty personnel, signaled a positive shift towards prioritizing the welfare of military personnel and recognizing their invaluable contributions to national security.
