Security has been tightened around the Ministry of Defence headquarters in Abuja as retired military personnel protest the failure to implement corresponding pension adjustments following the recent salary increase for serving military officers.
The retired personnel, operating under the Military Veterans Association of Nigeria, are being led by retired Colonel Azubuike Nas. Their protest on Wednesday, August 19, has prompted the deployment of security personnel from the Armed Forces, Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Immigration Service, Vehicle Inspection Officers and other agencies.
The veterans are demanding that the government extend the benefits of the recent salary adjustment to retired military personnel. They argue that having served the country for 35 years or more, they should not be excluded from consequential adjustments linked to improved pay for serving personnel.
President Bola Tinubu recently approved a new salary structure for serving military officers as part of efforts to strengthen the armed forces and improve their effectiveness across the country’s various theatres of operations.
The veterans say the salary increase should have corresponding implications for their pensions. Their position has now brought them to the Defence Ministry, where they are pressing their demands through the protest.
Authorities have responded with a heavy security presence around the Defence Headquarters and roads leading to the area. Armed soldiers and other security personnel have been deployed to prevent the demonstration from escalating into a breakdown of law and order.
The security operation has already affected movement around Abuja city centre, with the deployment and road restrictions causing significant traffic congestion in the area.
The protest highlights a longstanding concern among retired military personnel over pension adjustments and their treatment compared with serving members of the armed forces. The veterans are expected to continue pressing the government to address their demands as security agencies maintain heightened presence around the Defence Ministry.
