Joy Yesufu and Kamsi Anayo,
A group of retired Nigerian soldiers on Monday paralysed activities at the Federal Ministry of Finance in Abuja as they protested the non-payment of their statutory entitlements, including gratuities, Security Debarment Allowance (SDA), and withheld wages.
The ex-servicemen, who voluntarily disengaged from the Nigerian Army between the third and fourth quarters of 2023 and were officially retired in July 2024, blocked the entrance to the ministry from as early as 7:00 a.m., denying access to staff and visitors throughout the day.
Clad in military camouflage and chanting solidarity songs, the protesting veterans carried placards with messages decrying what they described as years of systemic neglect by the government and the Military Pensions Board.
The group identified themselves as “Voluntarily Discharged Soldiers of the First and Second Quarters of 2024” and accused relevant authorities of sidelining their welfare.
According to them, the Military Pensions Board claimed they were not eligible for the recently approved minimum wage adjustments and palliative benefits, citing their disengagement date as grounds for exclusion.
“Our disengagement was through the formal system, yet they now claim we are not entitled to minimum wage reviews or palliatives.
“This is a betrayal of our service.”said Sergeant Idris Usman (rtd).
Another protester, Corporal Ekene Okwara (rtd), added, “We’re not asking for handouts—we’re demanding our dues. Some of us served in volatile regions for years. After risking our lives, we are being left to suffer.”
The protesters also highlighted other unmet obligations, including unpaid gratuities, allowances, and the federal government’s wage award, which they claimed had been selectively disbursed.
Efforts by a senior military officer, reportedly an air vice marshal, to de-escalate the protest were rebuffed. The veterans insisted they would not vacate the premises until they received a formal acknowledgment of their demands and a clear timeline for payment.
Security personnel, including soldiers and police officers, were deployed to maintain order. No incidents of violence were reported.
As of press time, neither the Ministry of Finance nor the Military Pensions Board had issued an official response to the protest.
The demonstration adds to a growing wave of unrest among retired military personnel, who have repeatedly accused the Federal Government of failing to honour pension commitments and welfare support.
A similar protest in 2023 at the Defence Headquarters over pension harmonisation and medical benefits underscores the persistence of the grievances.
