Tinubu Steps In: Military Veterans Get Long-Awaited Pension Arrears After Peaceful Protest

By Achimi muktar

In a swift move to address growing discontent among retired military personnel, President Bola Tinubu has ordered the release of funds to settle pension arrears, salary increases, and other entitlements owed to military veterans. This decision comes on the heels of two days of peaceful protests at the Federal Ministry of Finance in Abuja.

Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Muhammed Matawalle, shared the update on Friday, commending the President's prompt intervention. "This is a testament to President Tinubu’s unwavering commitment to the welfare of those who have served this nation with honor," Matawalle stated.

The payments include a three-month salary increase, with military personnel already receiving alerts for the adjustments. This marks a significant victory for veterans, who have long demanded fair compensation for their service.

The announcement, delivered through a statement by Mr. Henshaw Ogubike, Director of Press and Public Relations at the Ministry of Defence, also highlighted the collaborative efforts of Mr. Wale Edun, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, in ensuring the release of the funds.

Matawalle urged the military to remain steadfast in their duties, emphasizing the government's focus on resolving longstanding issues to uplift the morale of both active and retired personnel. "Mr. President is determined to empower our armed forces as they confront the nation’s security challenges," he assured.

Beyond financial compensation, the Minister praised the critical role of the military in combating insurgency, terrorism, and other criminal activities. He reiterated the administration’s commitment to enhancing the capacity and resilience of the armed forces to secure Nigeria’s future.

As pension alerts roll in, this decisive action by the Tinubu administration is being celebrated as a step in the right direction, reaffirming the nation’s gratitude for the sacrifices of its military heroes.