Military veterans protest in Abuja over pension adjustment grievances
Retired military personnel block the Military Pensions Board office over pension formula concerns.

In a significant demonstration of discontent, military veterans on Tuesday obstructed the entrance to the Military Pensions Board office located in Dutse Alhaji, Abuja. This protest stems from the veterans' dissatisfaction with the formula used for adjusting their pensions, which they believe inadequately reflects recent salary increases for active military personnel.
The veterans set up barriers using canopies and chairs, effectively preventing access to the board's premises. Their protest coincides with a previous demonstration held in September at the Ministry of Defence, where they voiced similar concerns regarding their pensions. During that earlier protest, the Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, assured the retirees that they would see an increase in their pension payments by October.
Lt. Col. Innocent Azubike, the Coordinator of the Veterans Association of Nigeria, expressed frustration over the board's pension adjustment formula. He stated that the current method appears to short-change many retirees, leading to a growing sense of dissatisfaction among the veteran community. Azubike emphasized that the planned protest was a direct response to these grievances, highlighting the veterans' belief that the adjustments do not adequately reflect the salary increments awarded to serving military members.
This latest protest underscores the ongoing tensions between military retirees and government authorities regarding pension matters. The veterans are adamant about their rights to fair compensation that corresponds with the benefits afforded to their active counterparts. As the situation develops, the veterans remain resolute in their demands for a review of the pension adjustment formula, hoping for a swift resolution to their concerns.
Sources
- Punch Newspapers Original article