The Federal Government has commenced the payment of pensions and other entitlements, including three months’ arrears, to retired military personnel.
This was disclosed by the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, in a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja by the Ministry of Defence’s Director of Information and Public Relations, Henshaw Ogubike.
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Matawalle revealed that military retirees had started receiving alerts for payments, following the release of funds by President Bola Tinubu. “President Bola Tinubu released funds for the payment of pensions and other entitlements owed to retired military personnel on Thursday,” the statement read.
The announcement comes amid protests by retired military personnel who disrupted activities at the Federal Ministry of Finance in Abuja earlier on Thursday. The retirees demanded the payment of outstanding entitlements, including salary increments of 20% to 28% for January to November 2024, overdue palliative payments from October 2023 to November 2024, and the bulk payment of the Security Debarment Allowance. They also called for the refund of pension deductions made from medically boarded soldiers’ salaries.
Commending the President’s commitment to the welfare of military personnel, Matawalle assured that the payment of arrears and other benefits would continue to receive priority attention. “This initiative reflects the President’s dedication to enhancing the living standards of those who have served the nation,” he said.
He also acknowledged the contributions of the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, for his efforts in actualising the payments.
Matawalle urged serving military personnel to remain steadfast in their duties, noting that the government was committed to boosting their morale and equipping them to tackle security challenges. “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.
Expressing gratitude to the President for taking decisive action, the minister highlighted the vital role played by both retired and serving military personnel in ensuring the nation’s security and combating insurgency. He reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to supporting the military and enhancing its readiness to address insecurity in Nigeria.
