Defence minister meets protesting military veterans, promises improved pension package

The Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, has met with retired military personnel who staged protests earlier today to demand a consequential adjustment of their pension.

PREMIUM TIMES reported that the veterans in their numbers attempted to demonstrate their dissatisfaction at the Ministry of Defence, but were stopped by serving security personnel.

The retired officers lamented the state of the economy, saying that the government excluded them from the recent salary increment for the military.

This, they argued, violated their constitutional and legal rights. They pleaded for the intervention of President Bola Tinubu and Mr Musa, saying their active 35 years of service shouldn’t be rewarded with neglect and poor welfare.

Minister promises improved welfare

In a statement shared with PREMIUM TIMES, the minister, during a meeting with the veterans, assured them that their concerns were “receiving attention they deserve.”

Pictures taken during the meeting show Innocent Anas, one of the veterans, at a round table with ministry officials. Mr Anas had told reporters earlier that they would not vacate the protest floor until either the President or the minister addressed them.

During the meeting, which the ministry described as “a courtesy visit” by the veterans, the minister, represented by the ministry’s permanent secretary, Richard Pheelangwah, acknowledged the “immense sacrifices and distinguished service” of Nigeria’s military veterans.

He added that their welfare “remains a priority of the government.”

According to him, the veterans’ concerns “are receiving urgent attention with relevant military, pension and financial authorities being engaged to achieve a fair, sustainable and implementable resolution that ensures veterans are not unfairly disadvantaged.”

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The minister urged the retirees to be calm and called for constructive engagement.

Noting that the dignity, honour, and mutual respect for those who have served the nation need to be preserved, the minister explained that their concerns could only be resolved through a “sustained dialogue”.

He added that “any adjustment to veterans’ entitlements must be properly computed, adequately funded and implemented in accordance with extant approvals, regulations and due process, in order to guarantee sustainability and avoid unintended disparities.”

The minister assured the veterans community of sustained engagement with their representatives, noting that appropriate updates would be provided as progress is made.