The Defence Headquarters on Thursday ordered retired soldiers protesting at the Federal Ministry of Finance in Abuja to vacate the premises, warning that their action was obstructing government operations.
The veterans resumed demonstrations this week, accusing authorities of neglect and failure to honour promises made during an August 4 meeting with officials of the Ministries of Defence and Finance, where they were assured that outstanding benefits would be cleared by August 10.
Addressing journalists in Abuja, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Markus Kangye explained that the agitation stemmed from the use of two separate salary charts in 2024 following the implementation of the new minimum wage.
According to him, gratuity and the security debarment allowance for retired personnel are calculated based on the salary chart in effect on the date of retirement.
“Before the minimum wage was implemented, gratuity and allowances were calculated with the pre-minimum wage chart, which covered January 1 to July 28, 2024. The new chart, which took effect on July 29, applies only to those who retired from that date onward.
“Unfortunately, those who retired earlier want their entitlements recalculated under the new chart. This is not possible, as the policy only came into effect on July 29. Despite repeated explanations, they have continued to block access to the Ministry of Finance,” Kangye said.
He stressed that while the military recognised the veterans’ right to protest, their actions were disrupting government functions.
“The Defence Headquarters strongly advises them to tread with caution and vacate the premises to allow government activities to continue seamlessly,” he said, reaffirming the Armed Forces’ commitment to defending Nigeria and supporting civil authorities.
The ex-soldiers, however, insisted they had been cheated, claiming even payments under the old chart had not been fully settled.
Retired Sergeant Henry Ochade said he was still owed about N900,000 in pension and gratuity. “Many of us are owed between N500,000 and N800,000,” he alleged.
Another protester, Sergeant Igweze Ushanna (retd.), claimed relocation packages and four months’ salary arrears had yet to be paid.
“Parking allowances have not been settled, yet they are sending people out of the barracks. Is it a crime to serve in the Nigerian Army?” he asked.
Similarly, Sergeant Obinna Onyami (retd.) faulted the amount allocated for relocation. “They told us relocation allowance is N77,000. How can that take a family from Lagos to the East? A sergeant is entitled to over N400,000,” he said.
The veterans appealed to President Bola Tinubu to intervene, insisting their sacrifices should not be met with neglect.
This is the third time in recent months that retired soldiers have taken to the streets in Abuja and other cities to demand payment of their entitlements.
