Retired soldiers barricade finance ministry over unpaid entitlements
A group of angry retired military personnel, including both men and women, on Monday barricaded the main gate of the Federal Ministry of Finance in Abuja to protest the non-payment of their statutory entitlements.
The ex-servicemen, some in military camouflage, are demanding the immediate payment of outstanding shortfalls in their gratuity, Security Debarment Allowance (SDA), and parking allowance.
Despite attempts by a senior military officer, an Air Vice Marshal, who arrived at the scene to pacify the protesters, the veterans remained adamant and refused to vacate the entrance, insisting their demands must be met before any dialogue could commence.
One of the leaders of the protest, Retired Corporal Umar Faruq, who also identified as an engineer, lamented what he described as “deliberate neglect” by the authorities. He disclosed that the Military Pensions Board informed them they are not entitled to the new national minimum wage adjustments, citing their disengagement date of July 1, 2024, as the basis.
“This is unacceptable. We gave our best years to the nation. Many of us are suffering while the system continues to deny us what is rightfully ours,” Faruq stated.
The protest temporarily disrupted official activities at the Finance Ministry, drawing the attention of passersby and security operatives.
As of press time, no official statement had been issued by the Ministry of Finance or the Military Pensions Board on the matter.
However, the Permanent Secretary, Special Duties, who addressed the angry protesters, assured that the government would attend to their demands. (THE GUARDIAN)
