Federal Government Begins Military Retirees’ Entitlements Payment

ABUJA Nigeria– The Federal Government has initiated the payment of pensions and other entitlements to retired military personnel, including three months of outstanding arrears.

Bello Matawalle, Minister of State for Defence, disclosed this in a statement released on Thursday by Henshaw Ogubike, Director of Information and Public Relations, Ministry of Defence.

MINISTRY OF DEFENCE

PRESS RELEASE

THURSDAY, 5TH DECEMBER 2024

PENSIONS AND OTHER MILITARY ENTITLEMENTS: MATAWALLE COMMENDS PRESIDENT BOLA AHMED TINUBU FOR PROMPT PAYMENT

The Honourable Minister of State for Defence, H.E. Dr. Bello Muhammed Matawalle MON, has expressed his pic.twitter.com/JkCl8Kghxf

— Ministry of Defence, Nigeria (@MODInfoNg) December 6, 2024

The announcement follows a protest by retired military personnel at the Federal Ministry of Finance in Abuja over unpaid benefits. The retirees criticised the government's delay in implementing a promised 20% to 28% income increment from January to November 2024.

Minister Matawalle confirmed that payments for the military salary adjustment had commenced, with some retirees already receiving payment notifications. The retirees’ demands include:

• Outstanding palliative payments from October 2023 to November 2024.

• An additional pension increment of ₦32,000.

• A lump-sum payment of the Security Debarment Allowance.

• Reimbursement for pension deductions from medically discharged soldiers.

According to Matawalle, President Bola Tinubu authorised the release of funds to pay pensions and other owed entitlements. The minister commended the President's dedication to the welfare of active and retired military personnel and stressed that addressing pension arrears remains a priority.

Matawalle also acknowledged the contributions of the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, for ensuring the timely disbursement of funds.

He called on military personnel to remain committed to their duties, assuring them of the President’s resolve to enhance morale, provide essential support, and address security challenges in Nigeria.

This development underscores the Federal Government's commitment to improving the living conditions of military retirees who have served the nation.