Mr. Anthony Agbas, President of the Ex-Service Men and Family Welfare Association of Nigeria, has called on the government to settle all outstanding pension arrears and other entitlements owed to military retirees. Agbas made the appeal during a peaceful rally held by ex-servicemen at the Federal Ministry of Finance in Abuja on Wednesday.
He emphasized that military pensioners across the country have endured years of financial hardship and suffering.
“I lost my hands, girlfriend, and my father’s landed properties, and I survived depression; but I am still alive,” Agbas said.
He added, “We were informed that the funds have been approved for a long time, but we have yet to receive anything. Our demands include the payment of palliatives and their arrears from October 2023 to November 2024, the payment of 20 to 28 percent salary increments and their arrears from January to November, and the payment of ₦32,000 flat allowances and arrears from July to November. We also demand the payment of the new National Minimum Wage increment and its arrears from July to November, among other entitlements.”
Agbas explained that the association serves as an umbrella body uniting various groups of retired members of the Nigerian Armed Forces and their families, with a primary focus on addressing their welfare.
The association’s Vice President, Mr. Joseph Chinga, also spoke at the rally, stressing the contributions and sacrifices of military veterans for the nation.
“We are patriotic citizens who deeply love this country. It was through our efforts that Nigeria remained united during the civil war. Our resilience and determination also prevented terrorists from taking over the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and other state capitals. Many of our colleagues paid the ultimate price for this.
“We are not against the government but are simply fighting for what is rightfully ours, as announced by President Bola Tinubu,” Chinga stated.
An official from the Ministry of Finance, who addressed the protesters, assured them that their requests had been approved and were in the process of being implemented.
