ABUJA, Nigeria — Military retirees are preparing to protest at the Military Pensions Board office in Dutse Alhaji, Abuja, over alleged disparities in pension payments following recent salary and pension adjustments for serving personnel.
The planned demonstration follows renewed dissatisfaction among veterans who say the method used to calculate their revised pensions may disadvantage some retirees, particularly those who left service at different times despite holding the same rank and completing similar years of service.
According to Punch, the Veterans Association of Nigeria coordinator, retired Lieutenant Colonel Innocent Azubike, said the planned protest reflects growing frustration over the implementation of consequential pension adjustments.
However, reports contain conflicting dates for the demonstration. One report says the protest is scheduled for Tuesday, October 13, while a formal notice from the Coalition of Concerned Veterans specifies Thursday, October 15, at 8 a.m.
Retirees Question Pension Calculation Formula
The dispute centres on how the recent salary adjustments for serving military personnel should affect the pensions of retired servicemen and women.
The Coalition of Concerned Veterans said the methodology reportedly being applied to pension adjustments differs from the percentage increases announced for serving personnel.
According to the coalition, the reported salary increases were 80 per cent for personnel from Private to Staff Sergeant, 50 per cent for ranks from Warrant Officer to Colonel, and 30 per cent for personnel above Colonel, including equivalent senior ranks.
The veterans said they were seeking clarification on how these increases translate into pension adjustments under the applicable government approvals and implementation directives.
They also stressed that their position was not that every salary increase must automatically produce an identical percentage increase in every pension payment. Instead, they want documentary evidence explaining the calculation method and confirming that it complies with the relevant directives.
Veterans Cite Possible Payment Disparities
Azubike reportedly gave an example involving two retired soldiers of the same rank who each completed 35 years of service but retired in different years.
Under the example he presented, a soldier who retired in October 2025 with a monthly salary of ₦100,000 would receive a pension of ₦90,000 at a 90 per cent pension rate.
With an 80 per cent consequential adjustment, he argued, the pension should increase by ₦72,000 to ₦162,000 monthly.
However, he alleged that applying the 90 per cent pension rate to the adjustment amount would produce an increase of ₦64,800 and a revised monthly pension of ₦154,800.
He compared this with a soldier of the same rank who retired in October 2026 after 35 years of service, using a monthly salary of ₦180,000. At a 90 per cent pension rate, the latter would receive ₦162,000 monthly.
The figures formed part of the association’s argument that the calculation method could create differences between retirees with comparable service records. The allegations have not been independently established as errors in the board’s calculations.
Pension Board Says Adjustments Are Underway
The Military Pensions Board has said it commenced implementation of newly approved pension rates following adjustments associated with the new national minimum wage.
It also announced that applicable pension arrears had been processed, with payments to pensioners’ accounts beginning on October 2, 2026.
The board reportedly held a consultative meeting with representatives of veterans’ associations on October 9 to discuss concerns about the revised rates.
Board Chairman Air Vice Marshal M. Abdulraheem has reaffirmed the board’s commitment to ensuring that retired military personnel benefit from approved wage and pension adjustments.
However, some veterans remain dissatisfied with the explanations provided and want the board to publish clearer details of its calculations.
Veterans Demand Audit And Arrears Payment
The Coalition of Concerned Veterans has demanded a review of affected pension calculations, an audit of payments and the correction of any verified errors or underpayments.
It also wants the board to explain its computation method, disclose the amounts due to affected pensioners and provide a clear timetable for settling outstanding arrears.
Other demands include published pension calculation guidelines, an accessible complaints procedure and an urgent consultation with recognised veterans’ representatives.
The coalition said it preferred resolving the dispute through dialogue but would proceed with its planned peaceful protest if the board failed to provide a satisfactory response.
The outcome could affect efforts to restore confidence among retired military personnel who depend on their pensions for their livelihood and welfare.
