Retired personnel of the Military service on Tuesday staged a protest at the entrance of the Ministry of Finance in Abuja over the full payment of their entitlements.
The protesters arrived in their numbers with canopies and chairs, blocking access to the ministry, and disrupting normal operations.
This is the second of such protest in recent months, following a similar action in December when the retirees also shut down the ministry over unresolved claims.
Despite receiving official approval for payment, the government cited a lack of funds as the reason for the delay.
The retirees are owed a salary increment of 20% to 28%, covering the period from January to November 2024.
They are also demanding payments for other outstanding benefits, including:
– Palliatives for October 2023 to November 2024.
– A ₦32,000 pension increase.
– A lump sum payment of the Security Debarment Allowance.
– A refund of pension deductions from medically discharged soldiers.
Following their December protests, the Federal Government paid 50% of the outstanding entitlements and pledged to clear the balance.
However, the retirees allege that the government has failed to honor this promise, leading to the renewed demonstration.
As the ministry gate was blocked with the makeshift setup, staff members were forced to park their vehicles outside the premises.
