Veterans Protest in Abuja Over Pension Disparities

Military veterans will protest at the Military Pensions Board office in Dutse Alhaji, Abuja, over alleged disparities in pension payments to retired personnel. This protest is scheduled for today, following a previous demonstration at the Ministry of Defence in September, where military retirees demanded pension increases after salary adjustments for serving personnel.

The Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, had assured that retirees would see an increase in October. The Military Pensions Board announced the implementation of new pension rates starting October 2, 2026, and stated that pension arrears were being processed.

However, Lt Col Innocent Azubike, coordinator of the Veterans Association of Nigeria, criticized the board for using a pension adjustment formula that allegedly short-changed some retirees. He expressed that over 90 percent of veterans are dissatisfied with the adjustments and that a recent consultative meeting with the board did not adequately represent the veteran community.

Azubike highlighted concerns about non-uniform application of pension adjustments and disparities among retirees of equal ranks and service years.