Scores of retired Nigerian military personnel on Monday stormed the Federal Ministry of Finance headquarters in Abuja, barricading the main entrance in protest over the non-payment of their retirement benefits.
The demonstration, which began in the early hours of the morning, saw the ex-servicemen — many of them in their sixties and seventies — demanding immediate settlement of their outstanding gratuities, pensions, and the much-delayed debarment allowance approved by the Federal Government several years ago.
Chanting slogans and wielding placards that read “We served Nigeria with honour, pay us with dignity” and “No pension, no peace,” the retirees blocked access to the building, forcing civil servants and visitors to turn back. Several staff members of the Ministry were left stranded outside the gate as security operatives monitored the situation from a distance.
Efforts by officials from the Ministry of Defence and the Department of Military Pensions to pacify the demonstrators were rebuffed. The retirees insisted that they would not vacate the area until they received concrete assurances — not verbal promises — that their entitlements would be paid.
“We have written petitions, attended meetings, and listened to excuses for years,” said a visibly angry retired Warrant Officer. “This time, we are not moving until we see action. Too many of our comrades have died waiting for their rights.”
Another protester, an ex-Sergeant, criticised the government for prioritising public relations gestures over the welfare of those who risked their lives for the country.
“The government gave ₦160 million to the Super Falcons after the WAFCON,” he said. “That’s fine, but what about us? We protected this country with our blood. Now, we’re abandoned and forgotten. Is this the reward for loyalty?”
The debarment allowance, which was approved in 2021 as a form of compensation to discourage retired personnel from joining private security outfits or engaging in activities that may threaten national security, has yet to be fully implemented. While some batches of retirees reportedly received partial payments in previous years, many say they have been excluded entirely without explanation.
For many of the protesting veterans, the protest is not just about money — it is a demand for recognition, dignity, and the fulfilment of promises made by the state.
“We’re not beggars,” said a retired Corporal. “We gave our youth, our strength, and our loyalty to this country. Now we are old, and all we ask for is what the law says we are entitled to. Is that too much?”
Despite growing public sympathy and rising media attention, the Ministry of Finance has yet to issue a statement addressing the protest or clarifying the status of the pending payments. Ministry officials declined to speak on the record when approached by journalists.
A senior official in the Ministry of Defence, who asked not to be named, acknowledged that bureaucratic bottlenecks and funding gaps had delayed the disbursement of some benefits, but assured that efforts were underway to resolve the issues.
“We are working with the Budget Office and the Ministry of Finance to release the necessary funds. We understand the frustration of our veterans, and we hope to resolve this matter promptly,” the official said.
Meanwhile, advocacy groups and veterans' associations have condemned what they described as systemic neglect of former service members. The Coalition of Retired Armed Forces Personnel (CRAFP) called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene directly and ensure that all pending entitlements are cleared.
“This government has repeatedly promised to improve the welfare of security personnel. That promise must extend to those who have served and retired,” the group said in a statement.
As night fell, the protesters remained defiant, vowing to continue the sit-in at the Finance Ministry until their demands are met.
“We fought for the unity and security of this country,” said a retired Sergeant Ibrahim. “Now, we’re fighting to survive. This is not how heroes should be treated.”
The protest highlights growing discontent among Nigeria’s retired security personnel, many of whom feel abandoned by a system they once swore to protect - a sentiment that, if unaddressed, could have far-reaching consequences for morale within the armed forces.
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