Tensions flared in Abuja on Monday as dozens of retired Nigerian soldiers barricaded the main entrance of the Federal Ministry of Finance, demanding immediate payment of their gratuities, Security Debarment Allowance (SDA), parking allowances, and salary shortfalls.

 

The protest, which began around 7 a.m., left civil servants and ministry workers stranded for several hours, as the ex-servicemen blocked all entry and exit points to the ministry’s headquarters.

 

Chanting and holding placards with messages of frustration, the aggrieved veterans, including members of the 2003 batch of the Nigerian Army (NA) retirees and those voluntarily discharged in 2024, accused the government of abandoning those who once served and risked their lives for the nation.

 

Some of the placards read:

 

“We are 1st and 2nd Quarter Retirees of NA 2003. We are living heroes and deserve to be recognized and treated right—not celebrated as fallen heroes when we are no more,”

“We demand full payment of our benefits, including shortfalls in gratuity, SDA, parking allowance, and four months’ salary cuts.”

 

 

 

Efforts by Air Vice Marshal Adamu, Chairman of the Military Pensions Board (MPB), to calm the crowd proved ineffective, as the retirees insisted on concrete assurances and full disbursement of their outstanding entitlements.

 

Shortly after, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Finance and other senior government officials arrived and invited a delegation of the protesters, along with the MPB Chairman, for a closed-door meeting aimed at resolving the standoff.

 

As of press time, the meeting was still ongoing.

 

Speaking to journalists, retired Corporal Umar Faruq, one of the protest leaders, expressed anger over alleged remarks by MPB that those who retired from July 1, 2024, are not qualified for the new national minimum wage, calling the claim unjust and discriminatory.

 

Another protester vowed that the group would not vacate the premises until the MPB Chairman personally confirms that the funds have been released and payment alerts are being received.

 

This protest follows growing discontent among retired military personnel over delayed benefits and inconsistent pension reforms, highlighting persistent concerns about the welfare of Nigerian veterans.