Abuja, Nigeria — Retired Nigerian military officers staged a peaceful protest on Monday, blocking the entrance to the Federal Ministry of Finance. The demonstrators called for the prompt payment of their pensions and other entitlements, citing years of delayed payments and unfulfilled promises.
The protest, which drew dozens of retired service members, highlighted grievances ranging from late pension disbursements to the non-implementation of minimum wage adjustments in their benefits. Holding placards and chanting slogans, the veterans decried what they described as neglect by the government, despite their decades of service to the nation.
In an interview with The Bureau Newspaper, one of the protesters expressed frustration over the plight of retired officers.
“Some of our members are dying without enjoying the benefits of what they labored for over 35 years. It’s heartbreaking,” he said.
The retirees argued that their demands are not only legitimate but urgent, emphasizing that the government’s delays have caused unnecessary hardship for many of them and their families.
Longstanding Grievances
The demonstrators called for immediate action to address discrepancies in their pensions, particularly the failure to adjust payments in line with the national minimum wage, a policy adopted years ago but not fully implemented in their pensions.
“We are simply asking for what is rightfully ours,” another protester said. “After serving this country loyally for 35 years, we deserve to live with dignity.”
Government Response
Officials from the Ministry of Finance did not immediately comment on the protest. However, the incident underscores growing tensions between retired military personnel and government agencies tasked with managing their benefits.
The protesters vowed to sustain their demonstrations until their demands are met, urging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to intervene directly.
Broader Implications
The protest highlights ongoing issues with Nigeria’s pension system, which has faced criticism for inefficiency and corruption. Advocacy groups have warned that unresolved disputes over pensions could discourage young Nigerians from pursuing careers in the armed forces.
As the demonstrators dispersed peacefully by mid-afternoon, their message was clear: the government must act swiftly to honour its obligations to those who have served the nation with distinction.