Retired military personnel took their grievances to the Federal Ministry of Finance in Abuja on Thursday, shutting down operations in protest over unpaid entitlements.
Arriving as early as 7:30 a.m., the retirees set up sleeping mats, chairs, and canopies, demanding payment of a long-delayed 20% to 28% salary increment owed from January to November 2024.
Colonel Innocent Azubuike (rtd.), leader of the group, stated that the Ministry of Defence had already approved their payments, leaving the Ministry of Finance responsible for releasing the funds.
He emphasized that the protesters would not leave until their demands, including payment of pension arrears, palliatives, and the Security Debarment Allowance, were met.
This protest follows months of frustration and unfulfilled promises. Despite assurances that payments would be made in November, Azubuike revealed the delay was attributed to a lack of cash backing.
The demonstration comes less than 12 hours after another group of military retirees held a rally demanding pension arrears. Many of these former service members say the government’s inaction has left them in financial hardship, forcing them to take their fight to the streets once again.
