Retired Nigerian soldiers protest at Finance Ministry over unpaid gratuities

A group of retired Nigerian Army personnel, operating under the banner of Voluntary Discharged Soldiers – 1st and 2nd Quarters Retirees, staged a peaceful but determined protest on Monday at the Ministry of Finance Headquarters in Abuja.

The demonstration was aimed at pressing for the immediate settlement of their outstanding gratuities and entitlements.

The ex-servicemen, many of whom were visibly aged and some clad in military camouflage, barricaded the entrance to the ministry building, effectively disrupting normal activities and denying access to staff and officials.

Carrying placards with inscriptions such as “Pay Our Gratuity Now!” and “We Served Nigeria, Don’t Abandon Us,” the retirees chanted solidarity songs while demanding the payment of their statutory benefits. Among the grievances listed were the non-payment of gratuity, Security Debarment Allowance (SDA), and parking allowance — all of which they claim have been long overdue despite numerous appeals to government agencies.

They are also demanding for 43 months withheld salaries before gratuity and pension payment, wage award palliative total payment.

The aggrieved protesters turned down the entreaties by a senior military officer, an Air Vice Marshal, who arrived at the scene to appeal and pacify the protesters just as the veterans remained adamant and refused to vacate the entrance, insisting their demands must be met before any dialogue could commence.

One of those who spoke to SaharaReporters, Sergeant Augustine Agommo (rtd) described the disdainful treatment of the retired soldiers as absurd, ridiculous and unacceptable.

He disclosed that the Military Pensions Board had not helped in the matter when they were informed.

The board claimed the retirees are not entitled to the new national minimum wage adjustments, citing their disengagement date of July 1, 2024, as the basis.

He said they served the country and sacrificed their lives but they were being treated with disrespect.

“We are living heroes and deserve to be recognised and treated right, not celebrated as fallen heroes when we are no more. We gave our best years to the nation. Many of us are suffering with our families while the system continues to deny us what is rightfully ours,” he lamented.

Official activities in the ministry have been totally disrupted as of the time of filing this report.

The leaders and representatives of the protesting retired soldiers have been asked to meet with the top ministry officials.

Armed security operatives including the Nigerian Army have been stationed in front of the building to forestall possible breakdowns of law and orders.

No official statement has been issued by the Ministry of Finance or the Military Pensions Board on the matter.