The Defence Headquarters has issued a strong appeal to retired military personnel staging demonstrations at the Ministry of Finance in Abuja. According to the military authorities, the ongoing protest over unpaid demobilisation entitlements is not justified and is already disrupting government operations at the ministry.
For months, groups of retired soldiers have repeatedly occupied the gates of the finance ministry, demanding full settlement of gratuities, debarment allowance, and other retirement benefits. Despite several appeals from officials, the veterans have refused to leave until their requests are met.
Speaking in Abuja, Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye, explained that the demands of the protesters could not be met under current policy. He stated that there are two recognised salary charts used in computing the benefits of military retirees.
The first chart, described as the “pre-minimum wage” chart, was valid from January 1, 2024, to July 28, 2024. The second chart, based on the new minimum wage structure, came into effect on July 29, 2024. Payments are calculated strictly according to the chart applicable on the exact retirement date of each officer or soldier.
Maj-Gen Kangye stressed that personnel who retired before July 29, 2024 cannot have their allowances recalculated using the new minimum wage scale, since the law only took effect after that date. According to him, those within the earlier retirement window are the ones now insisting on revised payments, despite being briefed several times on the policy.
“It is important to understand that government policies always have specific dates of implementation. The case of the minimum wage chart is not an exception,” he clarified.
While acknowledging the right of citizens to peaceful protest, the Defence Headquarters advised the veterans to exercise restraint and reconsider their continued occupation of the Finance Ministry premises. Maj-Gen Kangye noted that blocking the ministry was interfering with normal activities and urged them to vacate the premises to allow government work to continue smoothly.
The Defence Headquarters concluded by appealing for patience, dialogue, and respect for the rules governing retirement entitlements.
Summary: The Defence Headquarters insists that the ongoing protest by retired soldiers over demobilisation allowances lacks merit. Payments will remain based on the effective chart at the time of each retirement, not on the subsequent minimum wage adjustment. The military has called for caution and urged the protesters to vacate the Finance Ministry premises.
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