The Federal Government has commenced the payment of pensions and other entitlements to retired military personnel, including three months’ arrears.
This announcement was made by the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, in a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja by the Director of Information and Public Relations, Ministry of Defence, Henshaw Ogubike.
On Thursday, retired military personnel disrupted activities at the Federal Ministry of Finance in Abuja to protest their unpaid entitlements. They expressed frustration over the government’s failure to pay the promised 20% to 28% salary increment from January to November 2024.
Their demands included overdue payments for palliatives from October 2023 to November 2024, an additional N32,000 added to their pensions, bulk payment of the Security Debarment Allowance, and the refund of pension deductions made from the salaries of medically boarded soldiers.
Matawalle stated that the government has begun the payment of military salary increases, and military personnel have already started receiving alerts for the payments.
“President Bola Tinubu released funds for the payment of pension and other entitlements owed to retired military personnel on Thursday,” the statement said.
He commended the President for his unwavering commitment to the welfare of both serving and retired military personnel, emphasizing that the payment of pension arrears owed to retirees would continue to receive critical attention.
Matawalle also acknowledged the efforts and support of the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, who was committed to actualizing the payments.
He urged the Nigerian military to remain steadfast in their duties while reassuring them that the President was fully committed to boosting their morale and providing the necessary support to combat insecurity in Nigeria.
“In spite of initial setbacks, be rest assured that Mr. President will do everything within his power to uplift our military forces as they confront the challenges of insecurity,” he said.
Matawalle expressed gratitude to the President for his decisive action and reiterated the vital role played by both retired and serving military personnel in ensuring the nation’s security and their significant contributions in combating insurgency.
He assured the Nigerian Armed Forces officers and personnel of the President’s unwavering resolve to eradicate insecurity in Nigeria, bolstered by the readiness and resilience of the military.
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