By Yemi Olakitan
In a bold move, members of the Nigerian Armed Forces retirees, under the Coalition of Military Pensioners, shut down the Federal Ministry of Finance in Abuja on Thursday morning. The retirees, who came from various chapters, are demanding payment of their 20% to 28% salary increment from January to November 2024, which the Federal Government has withheld.
The retirees are seeking payment of palliatives from October 2023 to November 2024. They are also demanding a payment of N32,000 added to their pension. The retirees want the SDA paid in bulk. They are seeking a refund of deductions made from the pensions of medically boarded soldiers.
The protesters lamented the government’s failure to pay their entitlements despite their years of service to the nation. The Coalition of Military Pensioners is an umbrella body representing various associations of retired members of the Nigerian Armed Forces and their families.
The retirees’ actions highlight the ongoing issues with Nigeria’s pension system, which has faced criticism for inefficiency and corruption. The government’s response to the protesters’ demands is yet to emerge.
