The Defence Headquarters has directed retired soldiers staging protests at the Federal Ministry of Finance in Abuja to vacate the premises, warning that their actions are obstructing government operations.
Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye, made this known on Thursday while addressing journalists. He explained that the demonstrations were tied to grievances over entitlements following the introduction of two different salary structures in 2024.
“Essentially, there were two charts in 2024. The first, known as the pre-minimum wage chart, was effective from January 1 to July 28, 2024. The second, which reflected the new minimum wage, came into force on July 29 and remains applicable to date,” Kangye said.
He stressed that benefits for retired personnel, such as gratuity and security debarment allowance, are calculated based on the salary chart in force at the time of retirement.
“If a soldier retires today, his entitlements will be determined using the current chart. If another chart is introduced tomorrow, those entitlements will not be recalculated based on the new one,” he explained.
The military spokesman noted that some retirees who left service before July 29, 2024, have insisted that their benefits be recalculated using the new minimum wage chart, a demand the DHQ says is not possible.
“Unfortunately, those who retired under the pre-minimum wage chart have continued to block access to the Ministry of Finance despite repeated clarifications,” Kangye stated.
He further appealed to the veterans to allow government work to continue unhindered.
“The actions of these protesting soldiers are seriously affecting the smooth conduct of activities at the Ministry of Finance. While the Defence Headquarters acknowledges the right to legitimate protest, the veterans are strongly advised to tread with caution and vacate the premises,” he said.
The ex-soldiers resumed protests after the government failed to fulfill an earlier promise to pay their entitlements by August 10, following a meeting with officials of the Defence and Finance ministries.
Kangye assured that the Armed Forces remained committed to national security and stability.
“Let me reaffirm that the Armed Forces of Nigeria remain fully committed to defending the territorial integrity of our great nation, supporting civil authorities, and ensuring peace and stability across all regions,” he added.