Retired Nigerian soldiers, under the banner of the Coalition of Concerned Veterans (CCV), once again brought operations at the Federal Ministry of Finance to a standstill on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, protesting the government’s failure to pay their long-overdue entitlements. The ex-servicemen, who had previously shut down the ministry in December 2024, set up barricades with canopies and chairs, demanding that the government fulfill its financial promises.
The veterans, visibly frustrated and determined, marched into the ministry’s premises early on Tuesday morning, armed with placards that read, “Pay Us What We Are Owed!” and “Enough Is Enough.” The protest was a continuation of their fight for payments that have been delayed for months, including pensions, arrears, and other benefits they say are rightfully theirs.
“We have been patient, but we have had enough of the empty promises,” said Sergeant Major (retired) Hassan Ahmed, one of the protest leaders. “The government has promised us several times that our entitlements would be paid, but here we are, still struggling to get what we worked for.”
Background to the Protest:
This latest action comes after an earlier protest in December 2024, where retired soldiers took similar steps to express their grievances. At that time, they disrupted activities at the Finance Ministry, using loudspeakers and playing music to draw attention to their plight. The protesters also displayed large banners calling for the full payment of their entitlements, including arrears for palliatives, which were due from October 2023 to November 2024.
The government had responded in December, with the Finance Minister, Mr. Wale Edun, addressing the veterans and promising that the issue would be resolved. In his speech, Edun had committed to paying 50% of the owed amounts, including 50% of the veterans’ 20/28 and 320,000 minimum wage entitlements. He also acknowledged the veterans’ service to the nation, expressing his dismay at the situation.
“I salute your steadfastness, but this is a situation that should not be allowed to continue,” Edun had stated. “I understand the discomfort you are going through, and I assure you that we will put an end to this as soon as possible.”
However, despite the promises, the veterans claim that nothing has been paid since then, and their frustrations have only grown.
The Protest Resumes:
On Tuesday morning, the veterans returned to the Finance Ministry, demanding action. The protestors set up their makeshift camp at the entrance, blocking access to the ministry. They carried placards with messages such as “Where is our money?” and “No More Lies,” clearly signaling their dissatisfaction with the lack of progress since the December demonstration.
“We were told by the Finance Minister that we would receive our payments within days, but we’re still waiting,” said Major (retired) Bola Adekunle, another spokesperson for the veterans. “This is a matter of respect for those who served this country. How long are we supposed to wait? How many promises will we hear?”
The protestors’ demands remain the same as before: full payment of the outstanding palliatives and arrears, bulk SDA payments with a new template, a review of the VFN bill in line with global best practices, and a more transparent and timely process for all retirement benefits.
The Finance Ministry, once again, found itself in disarray as workers were forced to leave early due to the protest. “It’s becoming a regular occurrence,” said a frustrated civil servant who wished to remain anonymous. “We can’t do our work with this constant disruption, but we also understand their anger. The government needs to fulfill its promises.”
Government’s Response and the Road Ahead:
The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Finance, has maintained that the veterans’ demands are being looked into. In a statement issued following the latest protest, the ministry acknowledged the ongoing issues and assured the public that the matter was under active review.
“We are aware of the ongoing protests and are committed to addressing the concerns of our veterans,” the statement read. “The government recognizes the sacrifices made by retired soldiers and is working on a solution to ensure that their entitlements are settled in a timely manner.”
However, the veterans, undeterred, have vowed to continue their protests until they receive the full payment owed to them. “We will not back down until justice is served,” Ahmed said resolutely. “We fought for this country, and we will fight for what is rightfully ours.”
The protesters’ resolve to continue their demonstrations has led many to speculate that this issue could escalate further if the government does not act swiftly. Legal experts suggest that the continued failure to address the veterans’ grievances could result in legal action, as the veterans may seek judicial intervention to enforce their rights.
A Larger Issue:
While the protest is centered on the specific issue of unpaid military entitlements, it also highlights the broader issue of pension and welfare problems faced by former public servants across Nigeria. The situation of retired soldiers is not unique—many former civil servants, police officers, and other public sector employees have faced similar challenges in receiving their pensions and benefits.
Nigerian retirees, in general, have long complained of bureaucratic delays, corruption, and poor administration in the handling of pension funds. “This is not just about veterans; it’s about every retiree in this country,” Adekunle said. “If the government can’t take care of its own veterans, how can it take care of others?”
As the protest continues, many Nigerians are expressing support for the veterans’ cause, with calls for the government to prioritize the welfare of those who have served the country. “We must treat our veterans with respect,” said Lagos resident Olumide Adebayo. “They put their lives on the line for us, and it’s time for the government to pay up.”
The Way Forward:
The outcome of this protest will likely depend on the government’s response in the coming days. If the promises made in December are not fulfilled soon, the veterans may escalate their protests further, possibly taking their actions to other government ministries or even organizing nationwide demonstrations.
For now, the veterans have shown that their fight for justice is far from over. Their message remains clear: they will not rest until their hard-earned entitlements are paid in full.
