The Federal Government has released the 50% balance of pension arrears owed to retired military personnel, marking a significant step in resolving longstanding grievances. Air Vice Marshal Paul Irumheson, Chairman of the Military Pensions Board (MPB), confirmed the development during a tense engagement with protesting military veterans in Abuja on Tuesday.
“We have received the funds, and payments are being processed at the bank,” Irumheson assured the retirees who had converged at the Ministry of Finance to demand their entitlements. “I assure you that any moment from now, you will begin to receive your alerts.”
Veterans Demand Justice
The retired officers, many of whom had staged similar protests in December, have decried delays in receiving their full pension benefits. They are owed arrears from a 20-28% salary increment covering January to November 2024, palliatives for October 2023 through November 2024, and additional allowances, including the Security Debarment Allowance (SDA).
Other grievances include a refund of pension deductions for medically discharged soldiers and a lump sum increase of ₦32,000 added to their monthly pensions.
The government had previously disbursed 50% of the owed arrears in December 2024, promising to settle the remaining balance swiftly. However, delays in fulfilling this commitment reignited frustrations, prompting Tuesday’s demonstration.
Protest and Resolution
Leading the protest, retired Colonel Innocent Azubuike highlighted the veterans’ dissatisfaction with the Federal Government’s failure to follow through on its promise. “We said if we don’t get concrete information today, we are not going to leave this place,” Azubuike declared.
The arrival of AVM Irumheson, bearing news of the payment, temporarily eased tensions. “The Chairman of the Military Pensions Board has confirmed that the funds have been transferred. That means we are confident we are going to be paid,” Azubuike said. The atmosphere shifted as the protesting veterans began to relax, with some even smiling and engaging in light-hearted conversations.
A History of Broken Promises
This protest is the latest in a series of demonstrations by military retirees over unpaid entitlements. In December 2024, hundreds of veterans marched in Abuja, accusing the government of neglecting those who served the nation in its time of need. The protest resulted in partial payment, but dissatisfaction remained high due to the delay in settling the balance.
Observers note that while the government’s actions have temporarily calmed tensions, its history of inconsistent responses to pension issues continues to undermine trust.
Economic Context
The Federal Government’s delays have been attributed to broader financial challenges facing the nation. With mounting debts and economic recovery efforts still fragile, fulfilling obligations to veterans has proven difficult.
Critics argue that the military, which forms the backbone of Nigeria’s national security, deserves more respect and priority in financial matters. “These are men and women who put their lives on the line for this country. Denying them their rightful pensions is a national disgrace,” said a policy analyst familiar with defense sector issues.
The Path Forward
While the MPB has assured retirees that payments will begin imminently, questions remain about the sustainability of Nigeria’s military pension system. The arrears represent only one part of a broader challenge, as some veterans continue to call for systemic reforms to ensure timely and adequate compensation for retired service members.
“We hope this marks the beginning of a new chapter,” Azubuike said cautiously. “But we will continue to monitor the situation and hold the government accountable if needed.”
