The Federal Ministry of Finance in the Federal Capital Territory’s Central Area of Abuja has been closed by military pensioners.
Eyewitnesses reported that the pensioners arrived at the ministry as early as 8:10 a.m. on Monday, blocking the main gate and erecting canopies.
The pensioners vowed to remain at the gate until the backlog of their allowances from January to November is paid.
Their demands include: payment of palliatives; immediate disbursement of palliative allowances for the months of October to November 2023.
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Pension Increment: An increase of ₦32,000 in monthly pensions. Security Debarment Allowance: Bulk payment of the allowance owed to them.
Refund of Deductions: Reimbursement of funds deducted from the pensions of medically boarded soldiers.
Speaking on behalf of the protesters, retired Colonel Innocent Azubuike said, “We were informed that approval for the payment of our entitlements has been secured. The only delay is the cash backing.
“We were told to exercise patience and assured that our long-overdue entitlements would be settled in November. However, November has come and gone, and there is still no indication of when the payment will be made. The issue lies with the Federal Ministry of Finance, not the Ministry of Defence.”
The pensioners, who brought chairs, mats, and loudspeakers playing music, insisted they would not leave until their demands were met.
This is the second protest at the ministry within a month. Civilian pensioners recently staged a similar protest, blocking the same gate until the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, addressed them. He had assured the civilians that their payments would commence the following week.
