In response, Matawalle stated that payment of the military retirees’ salary increments has already commenced, and many retirees have begun receiving bank alerts.
Abuja, Nigeria – The Federal Government has begun disbursing pensions and other entitlements to retired military personnel, including the payment of three months’ arrears, following a directive by President Bola Tinubu.
This was disclosed by the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, in a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja by the Director of Information and Public Relations, Ministry of Defence, Henshaw Ogubike.
The announcement comes after a protest by retired military personnel who blocked the Federal Ministry of Finance in Abuja earlier on Thursday, demanding the immediate settlement of their outstanding benefits.
The protesters called for the implementation of a promised 20% to 28% salary increment, covering the period from January to November 2024. Their other demands included palliative payments for October 2023 to November 2024, an additional N32,000 increment to pensions, the bulk payment of the Security Debarment Allowance, and a refund of pension deductions for medically discharged soldiers.
In response, Matawalle stated that payment of the military retirees’ salary increments has already commenced, and many retirees have begun receiving bank alerts.
“President Bola Tinubu released funds for the payment of pensions and other entitlements owed to retired military personnel on Thursday,” Matawalle confirmed.
The Minister praised the President for prioritizing the welfare of both serving and retired military personnel. He assured retirees that addressing the backlog of pension arrears would remain a key focus of the administration.
The Minister also acknowledged the support of the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, for his role in facilitating the payments.
Matawalle appealed to serving military personnel to remain steadfast in their duties, assuring them of President Tinubu’s dedication to improving their welfare and morale.
“In spite of initial setbacks, rest assured that Mr. President will do everything within his power to uplift our military forces as they confront the challenges of insecurity,” he said.
He further expressed gratitude to the President for his decisive action in ensuring payments and highlighted the critical contributions of both retired and serving military personnel in safeguarding Nigeria.
The Minister reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to eradicating insecurity across the country through the enhanced readiness and resilience of the Nigerian Armed Forces.
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