The Federal Government has begun disbursing pensions and other benefits to retired military personnel, including three months’ worth of arrears.
The Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, made this announcement on Thursday in Abuja through a statement released by the Ministry of Defence’s Director of Information and Public Relations, Henshaw Ogubike.
On Thursday, retired military personnel staged a protest at the Federal Ministry of Finance in Abuja due to the government’s failure to meet its obligations, particularly the 20% to 28% salary increase promised for January to November 2024.
The protesters voiced frustration over unpaid entitlements, including delayed palliative payments from October 2023 to November 2024, an additional N32,000 for their pensions, the bulk payment of the Security Debarment Allowance, and the refund of pension deductions made from the salaries of medically discharged soldiers.
In response, Matawalle clarified that the government had already started making the salary increments, with military personnel receiving alerts for their payments.
“President Bola Tinubu released funds for the payment of pension and other entitlements owed to retired military personnel on Thursday,” the statement read.
The minister praised President Tinubu for his unwavering commitment to the welfare of both serving and retired military members. He assured that pension arrears would continue to receive critical attention.
Matawalle also credited the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, for his efforts in facilitating the payments.
He urged the military to stay committed to their duties, reassuring them that the President is dedicated to boosting morale and providing the necessary support to fight insecurity in Nigeria.
“Despite initial setbacks, be rest assured that Mr President will do everything within his power to uplift our military forces as they confront the challenges of insecurity,” Matawalle added.
He expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for his prompt actions and emphasized the crucial role that both retired and active military personnel play in securing the nation, particularly in the fight against insurgency.
Matawalle assured the Armed Forces that President Tinubu is resolute in his commitment to eradicating insecurity, with the support and resilience of the military as a key factor in this mission.
