Military Retirees Protest Pension Calculations in Abuja

On October 13, military retirees protested by blocking the entrance to the Military Pensions Board office in Dutse Alhaji, Abuja. The protest was in response to dissatisfaction with the method used to calculate pension adjustments.

The retirees set up canopies and chairs to express their grievances, while armed soldiers were present to prevent them from entering the office. This protest followed a previous demonstration at the Ministry of Defence in September, where the veterans demanded pension increases to align with salary adjustments for active military personnel.

Minister of Defence Christopher Musa had assured the retirees that their pensions would be increased in October. Lieutenant Colonel Innocent Azubike, Coordinator of the Veterans Association of Nigeria, criticized the formula used by the Military Pensions Board, claiming it disadvantages some retired personnel.

The retirees expressed concerns that the current calculation method does not adequately reflect the salary increases approved for serving military members.