Military pensioners protest in Abuja

Retired military personnel on Wednesday protested in Abuja over the alleged failure of the Federal Government to implement consequential adjustments to their pensions following salary increases for serving personnel.

The pensioners had gathered at an open field near the Ministry of Defence and were heading towards the ministry’s main entrance when soldiers blocked their access.

Police and personnel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps also joined the soldiers in cordoning off roads around the ministry, while security vehicles were deployed to restrict access to the premises.

The pensioners subsequently moved to a road median, where they addressed journalists and explained their grievances.

Speaking on behalf of the protesters, retired Lieutenant Colonel Innocent Anas said military pensioners were legally entitled to corresponding adjustments whenever the salaries of serving personnel were increased.

He said the failure to implement the adjustments had created disparities between the pensions of earlier retirees and those who left service more recently.

“We have paid our dues in patriotic service to this nation,” Anas said.

He argued that the relevant constitutional provisions and the Armed Forces Act require pensioners’ benefits to be adjusted when the salaries of serving personnel are reviewed.

Anas said the pensioners were particularly concerned that a salary increase approved for military and paramilitary personnel in November 2025 had yet to reflect in their pensions.

He also expressed concern over a more recent salary adjustment approved by President Bola Tinubu for serving military personnel.

Under the latest arrangement, officers above the rank of colonel, including brigadier-generals, major-generals, lieutenant-generals and generals, are to receive a 30 per cent salary increase.

Personnel from colonel to warrant officer are to receive a 50 per cent increase, while those from private to staff sergeant are expected to receive an 80 per cent increase.

Anas said the increases should also trigger corresponding adjustments for retired personnel to prevent newer retirees from receiving pensions higher than those of officers who retired years earlier.

He alleged that pensioners were excluded from the financial calculations for implementing the latest salary adjustment, describing the situation as a violation of their constitutional and legal rights.

According to him, the continued delay could further widen the gap between the pensions of older retirees and those of personnel retiring under the new salary structure.

Anas warned that the pensioners could take their protest to the Presidential Villa in the coming days if the government fails to address their demands.

The protesters called for the immediate implementation of the consequential pension adjustments in line with the relevant laws governing military pensions and remuneration.