Protest rocks Abuja
Military retirees on Wednesday protested at the Ministry of Defence in Abuja over the failure to adjust their pensions in line with salary increases approved for serving military personnel.
The retirees gathered to demand the implementation of corresponding pension adjustments, arguing that increases in the salaries of serving officers should also lead to improved payments for retired personnel.
The protest, however, was met with a heavy security presence around the ministry.
Armed police officers and soldiers prevented the retirees from gathering directly in front of the ministry, leading to a confrontation between some serving personnel and the retired officers as the protesters attempted to assemble.
Security personnel from the Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Army, Nigeria Immigration Service and Vehicle Inspection Officers were deployed around the area.
At least two armoured personnel carriers and more than 15 security and official vehicles were seen stationed around roads close to the ministry.
The retirees are seeking the implementation of pension adjustments linked to salary increases approved for military personnel.
They said the failure to carry out the adjustments has left them dissatisfied and concerned about their entitlements.
Speaking on the matter, the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa, said the Federal Government was working to address the concerns raised by military veterans.
Musa, who spoke through the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, Richard Pheelangwah, during a meeting with representatives of the retirees at Ship House in Abuja, said the welfare, remuneration and pension needs of former military personnel remained under the attention of the government.
The minister acknowledged the service and sacrifices made by military veterans and said the government was taking steps to address complaints concerning their pay and pensions.
According to the ministry, relevant military, pension and financial agencies are already working together to determine how the pension adjustments can be properly handled.
Musa also called for patience and continued discussions between the government and the retirees, saying the outstanding issues could be resolved through engagement.
He explained that any adjustment to pension payments must be properly calculated, backed by sufficient funds and carried out according to existing approvals and regulations. He added that the process must also be handled in a way that would allow the payments to remain sustainable.
The minister assured the retirees that the Ministry of Defence would continue discussions with their representatives and provide updates as progress is made.
The protest followed concerns raised by military retirees over salary increases granted to serving personnel in recent years.
One of the leaders of the retirees, retired Colonel Innocent Azubike, said the group was seeking what it considers its lawful pension entitlements.
Azubike said President Bola Tinubu approved an increase in the salaries of military personnel in November 2025, which the retirees expected to result in a corresponding increase in their pensions.
He alleged that despite previous acknowledgements of the presidential approval by military authorities, the pension adjustment had not been implemented.
The retired officer also raised concerns over another salary increase announced for serving military personnel in August 2026, which is expected to take effect in September.
According to him, the retirees were worried that they could again be left out of the corresponding pension adjustment when the new salary structure begins.
Azubike clarified that the retirees were not protesting against salary increases for serving officers. Rather, he said they wanted retired personnel to receive the pension adjustments that should come with such increases.
The retirees are therefore asking the government to resolve the outstanding pension issue and ensure that future salary reviews for serving military personnel are properly reflected in the pensions of those who have retired from the armed forces.
