Nigeria's Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, has met with retired military personnel who staged a protest earlier today demanding a consequential adjustment to their pension. The meeting, described by the ministry as a courtesy visit, saw the veterans engaging with ministry officials over their grievances.
Protest and Demands
Premium Times reported that the veterans, in significant numbers, attempted to demonstrate their dissatisfaction at the Ministry of Defence but were stopped by serving security personnel. The retired officers lamented the state of the economy, arguing that the government excluded them from the recent salary increment for the military. This, they contended, violated their constitutional and legal rights. They pleaded for the intervention of President Bola Tinubu and Minister Musa, stating that their active 35 years of service should not be rewarded with neglect and poor welfare.
Minister's Assurance
In a statement shared with Premium Times, the minister, during the meeting with the veterans, assured them that their concerns were receiving the attention they deserve. Pictures taken during the meeting show Innocent Anas, one of the veterans, at a round table with ministry officials. Anas had earlier told reporters that they would not vacate the protest floor until either the President or the minister addressed them.
During the meeting, the minister, represented by the ministry's permanent secretary, Richard Pheelangwah, acknowledged the immense sacrifices and distinguished service of Nigeria's military veterans. He added that their welfare remains a priority of the government. According to him, the veterans' concerns are receiving urgent attention, with relevant military, pension, and financial authorities being engaged to achieve a fair, sustainable, and implementable resolution that ensures veterans are not unfairly disadvantaged.
Call for Constructive Engagement
The minister urged the retirees to be calm and called for constructive engagement. Noting that the dignity, honour, and mutual respect for those who have served the nation need to be preserved, the minister explained that their concerns could only be resolved through sustained dialogue. He added that any adjustment to veterans' entitlements must be properly computed, adequately funded, and implemented in accordance with extant approvals, regulations, and due process, in order to guarantee sustainability and avoid unintended disparities.
The minister assured the veterans community of sustained engagement with their representatives, noting that appropriate updates would be provided as progress is made.
