Retired Military Officers Protest Over Pension Adjustments At Defence Ministry

Retired military officers protested around the Ministry of Defence in Abuja on Wednesday over the non-implementation of pension adjustments linked to salary increases for serving personnel.

Security was tightened around the ministry as armed soldiers, police officers and other personnel blocked the former servicemen from gathering at the front of the premises.

Punch reported that the retirees were stopped as they tried to move towards the ministry for their planned protest. Daily Trust reported that armoured personnel carriers and several security vehicles were stationed around roads leading to the ministry.

The retirees said the salary increase approved for serving military and paramilitary personnel had not been reflected in their pensions. Daily Post reported that one retired officer at the protest said the approval dated back to November last year.

The protest caused tension around the ministry and contributed to traffic disruption in the area, according to the reports.

The demand centres on consequential pension adjustments, the term used for changes that retirees say should follow the pay increase granted to those still in service.

Sources: Punch, Daily Trust, Daily Post