Retired Soldiers Storm Finance Ministry Again Over Unpaid Benefits
Retired Nigerian military personnel on Thursday barricaded the gates of the Federal Ministry of Finance in Abuja, protesting the ministry’s alleged refusal to release funds to the Military Pensions Board for the settlement of their long-overdue entitlements.
The ex-servicemen had previously suspended a similar protest on August 4, following assurances from the Ministries of Defence and Finance that their payments would be made by August 10. However, the pensioners accused finance officials of failing to honour the agreement, forcing them back to the streets.
One of the protesters, identified as Mama G, said the group felt betrayed by unfulfilled promises.
“We are here because nothing was done after the assurances we received. We had no choice but to return. This time, the protest will be massive,” she declared.
The demonstration marks yet another chapter in years of recurring protests by retired soldiers, who insist they have been subjected to neglect and unfair treatment despite their service to the nation.
As of the time of filing this report, the Ministry of Defence, Defence Headquarters, and the Military Pensions Board had yet to issue an official response.
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