The Coalition of Military Pensioners have taken to the streets to protest outside the Federal Ministry of Finance, effectively shutting down operations at the ministry on Thursday morning.
The protest is in response to the non-payment of the 20% to 28% salary increment owed to retired military personnel for the period spanning January to November 2024.
The retirees, who have dedicated years of service to the nation, expressed deep dissatisfaction with the Federal Government’s failure to meet its financial obligations towards them.
Many of the pensioners, who rely on their monthly stipends for their livelihood, are now facing severe financial hardships due to the unfulfilled promises of salary adjustments.
In the protest, the military retirees presented a clear set of demands that they say must be met to address their grievances.
These demands include the immediate payment of palliatives intended to cover the period from October 2023 to November 2024. Additionally, the pensioners are calling for an increase in their pension by a fixed amount of N32,000.
They also seek the full payment of the Security Debarment Allowance (SDA) in bulk, as well as a refund of the amounts that have been deducted from the pensions of soldiers who were medically boarded out of service.
This protest marks a significant escalation in the ongoing struggle by retired military personnel to ensure that their rights and entitlements are recognized by the government.
It highlights the growing frustration among former service members who feel that the government has neglected them, despite their contributions to national security and service to the country.
The military pensioners are now demanding not just financial restitution, but also respect for their years of service and a fair acknowledgment of their entitlements. The outcome of this protest remains to be seen, but it is clear that the retirees are determined to stand firm in their fight for justice.