Military retirees blocked the entrance to the Military Pensions Board in Abuja on Tuesday, October 13, demanding a review of the formula used to adjust their pensions.
The protesters placed canopies and chairs outside the entrance from about 8am. Armed soldiers prevented them from entering the premises.
The dispute concerns how pension increases linked to pay adjustments for serving military personnel were calculated. The veterans say the method reduced the increases they expected to receive.
Lt. Col. Innocent Azubuike, coordinator of the Veterans Association of Nigeria, told Daily Trust that the approved increases were 80 per cent for ranks from private to staff sergeant, 50 per cent for warrant officers to colonels, and 30 per cent for brigadier generals and higher ranks.
He alleged that the board had not applied those percentages directly to the pensions retirees were receiving before the adjustment. Instead, he said, it used another calculation based on the conditions under which each person retired, including years of service.
Azubuike also alleged that the board’s own criteria were applied inconsistently, leaving some veterans with less than they believed they were entitled to.
The protest follows earlier demands for pension increases after salary adjustments for serving personnel. NaijaTrend reported on the August protest at the Ministry of Defence here.
Master Warrant Officer Duru Augustine told Daily Trust that the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission had provided a chart explaining the calculations. He urged the board to implement the approved percentages.
Sources: Punch, Vanguard, Channels TV, Daily Trust
Something we should clarify?
Contact the newsroom
