Military Retirees Protest Non-Adjustment Of Pensions

Military pensioners yesterday besieged the Ministry of Defence in Abuja to protest the non-implementation of consequential adjustments to their pensions following a series of salary increases for serving personnel. The minister of Defence, Gen.Christopher Musa, reacting to their concerns, reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to addressing the welfare, remuneration and pension of military veterans, assuring them that the issues raised were receiving the attention they deserve

The veterans were, however, blocked by armed police and soldiers from converging in front of the ministry in Abuja. The development followed an earlier confrontation between serving soldiers and the retired military personnel after security operatives attempted to stop the veterans from staging their protest in front of the ministry.

The retirees are demanding the implementation of consequential pension adjustments arising from salary increases approved for serving military personnel.

Earlier, soldiers deployed to the Ministry had moved against the protesters as they attempted to assemble at the premises, resulting in a confrontation between the serving and retired personnel.

The heavy security presence subsequently prevented the veterans from converging at the front of the Ministry as planned.

Our correspondent, who arrived at the venue at about 8 am, observed personnel from the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Immigration Service, and Vehicle Inspection Officers.

There were at least two armoured personnel carriers and more than 15 vehicles belonging to the police, the Army, the Immigration Service and the VIO stationed at both ends of the roads around the protest venue.

The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (Rtd) reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to addressing the welfare, remuneration and pension concerns of military veterans, assuring them that the issues raised are receiving the attention they deserve. He gave the assurance when addressing representatives of military veterans at the Ministry of Defence, Ship House, Abuja.

The Minister, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Mr Richard Pheelangwah, acknowledged the immense sacrifices and distinguished service of Nigeria’s military veterans, stressing that their welfare remains a priority of the Government.

In a statement, Henshaw Ogubike, the Minister, disclosed that concerns regarding wage and pension adjustments are receiving urgent attention, with relevant military, pension, and financial authorities engaged to achieve a fair, sustainable, and implementable resolution that ensures veterans are not unfairly disadvantaged.

He appealed for calm, patience and constructive engagement, noting that sustained dialogue remains the most effective means of resolving outstanding concerns while preserving the dignity, honour and mutual respect befitting those who have served the nation.

The Minister further explained that any adjustment to veterans’ entitlements must be properly computed, adequately funded, and implemented in accordance with extant approvals, regulations, and due process, to ensure sustainability and avoid unintended disparities.

He assured the veterans that the Ministry would work with their representatives and provide appropriate updates as progress is made in resolving the issues raised.

The Minister reiterated that the Federal Government deeply values the patriotism, courage, and sacrifices of Nigeria’s military veterans and remains committed to ensuring that their service to the nation is recognised not only in words but also through sustained attention to their welfare and legitimate entitlements.

One of the leaders of the retirees, Col. Innocent Azubike (retd.), had said the protest was aimed at demanding what he described as the constitutional pension rights of military retirees.

Azubike said President Bola Tinubu approved a salary increase for military personnel in November 2025, which, according to him, should have resulted in a corresponding adjustment of pensions for retired personnel.

He, however, alleged that the adjustment had yet to be implemented despite repeated acknowledgements by military authorities of the President’s approval.

He said, “We have a protest on Wednesday at the Ministry of Defence to demand our constitutional pension rights.

“In November last year, the President approved a new pay increase for the military, and it came with a consequential adjustment for retirees and pensioners. It was in the news throughout that November, and the high military authorities repeatedly thanked the President for the gesture.

“But suddenly, in July and August, it was not implemented, and they started changing their stories, as if it should be forgotten.”

Azubike also expressed concern about another salary increase announced for military personnel in August 2026, expected to take effect in September.

He alleged that while funds had been allocated for implementing the latest salary increase, pensioners were excluded from the consequential adjustment.

He said the exclusion was the main reason for the planned protest, stressing that the retirees were not opposed to the salary increase for serving personnel but wanted pensioners to benefit from the corresponding adjustment.