Retired military officers have barricaded the entrance to the Military Pensions Board headquarters in Abuja over alleged pension reductions and short payments of consequential adjustments, sparking outrage among Nigerians on social media.
Key Highlights
- Retired soldiers barricade the Military Pensions Board headquarters in Abuja.
- They allege pension reductions and short payments of consequential adjustments.
- Nigerians on X condemn the retirees’ treatment and question the effect on serving soldiers’ morale.
- Some users urge that the facts be established before blaming government.
- The Military Pensions Board is yet to respond.
The protesting ex-servicemen, including senior retired officers, are seeking attention to their pension complaints, with the incident reigniting public debate over the welfare of military personnel after years of service.
‘Inhumane And Inconsiderate’
Reacting to the development, @benanasxx criticised the alleged treatment of the retirees, blaming greed and a lack of consideration for their predicament.
The user wrote: “They give their all to Nigeria see where they are today because some. People choose to be greedy. Inhumane and inconsiderate.”
Similarly, @Southsouth4EVER called on President Bola Tinubu and the federal government to address the concerns of former military personnel, noting that many had spent decades serving the country.
The user said: “It’s funny how they give their lives for you. And you don’t even have their backs. Help Nigeria military, they are people. With families. At least the government should know better.
“Tinubu u always talked about changes I think you know areas to start. Imagine dedicating 30 years for what? Nigeria government for once listen to ur people haba.”
Another commenter, @PO_STREET, compared the situation with the treatment of military retirees in the United States, arguing that Nigerian ex-servicemen should not have to protest over their retirement benefits.
The user wrote: “If you serve in the US military and retire. You will be proud as military personnel. It’s only in Nigeria we get to see our military officers crying of not getting paid. Imagine the men who serve the country.”
Read also:
- Tightened Security As Military Retirees Prepare To Protest Pension Adjustments
- Retired Soldiers shut down Finance Ministry in Abuja over unpaid entitlements
- Babangida calls for improved welfare for military veterans
‘Get The Facts Straight’
However, @AdetujiAdewolu urged Nigerians to establish the facts surrounding the alleged pension shortfalls before blaming the government.
The user stated: “Before blaming the government, they should check their own DA first. Sometimes the problem is closer than we think. Let’s get the facts straight before pointing fingers.”
Expressing concern about the incident, @LifeEasy8831 questioned its potential effect on the morale of serving soldiers who may worry about their welfare after retirement.
The user wrote: “See people wey lay down their life for Nigeria… now dem gas block gate under sun just to collect wetin belong to them. This level of disrespect to our heroes too loud. How active soldiers go take get morale if this na their future?”
Meanwhile, @bestozzy offered a different perspective, arguing that the protest reflected broader concerns about governance and accountability.
The user said: “The way they blocked other people that’s how they are blocking them now, assuming they fought a better fight against bad government they won’t be protesting at old age.”
The reactions have drawn attention to the importance of timely pension payments and adequate retirement benefits for members of the Nigerian Armed Forces.
The specific circumstances behind the alleged pension reductions and short payments of consequential adjustments have not been independently established from the information available.
The Military Pensions Board and the Federal Government had yet to respond at the time of filing this report.
The protest has renewed calls for the relevant authorities to clarify the disputed payments and address the concerns of retired military personnel.
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