Tinubu Approves Military Pension Payout and Salary Increase

December 6, 2024 EMMANUEL ADEBAYO AJIBOLA

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a salary increase for members of Nigeria’s armed forces. It was made public on Friday by Bello Matawalle, the Minister of State for Defence, through a statement issued by the ministry’s spokesperson, Henshaw Ogubike.

The approval also includes the payment of three months’ salary arrears and the release of funds to settle outstanding pensions and entitlements for retired military personnel.

According to a news outlet, the retired military personnel had on Thursday protested about their unpaid entitlements at the Federal Ministry of Finance in Abuja.

The retirees expressed their disappointment over the federal government’s inability to pay the promised 20% to 28% salary increment from January to November 2024.

Their demands included overdue payments for palliatives from October 2023 to November 2024, an additional N32,000 added to their pensions, bulk payment of the Security Debarment Allowance, and the refund of pension deductions made from the salaries of medically boarded soldiers.

Bello Matawalle stated that the federal government has begun payment of military salary increases, and the retirees have already started receiving alerts for the payment.

The statement confirmed, “President Bola Tinubu released funds for the payment of pensions and other entitlements owed to retired military personnel on Thursday.”

The minister applauded the president, Bola Ahmed, for his consistent support towards the welfare of both serving and retired military personnel and stressed that retired personnel whose payment is owed will continuously be given special interest.

He further said that the initiative reflected the president’s dedication to enhancing the living standards of those who have served the nation.

Mayawalle also appreciated the efforts and support of Mr. Wale Edun, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, who was very committed to actualising the payments.

He advised the military personnel to remain devoted to their duties while promising them that the President was fully committed to boosting their morale and providing the necessary support to combat insecurities in Nigeria.

He said, Despite initial setbacks, be rest assured that the president will do everything within his power to uplift our military forces as they confront the challenges of insecurity.

The minister showered appreciation to the president for his decisive action and repeated the vital role played by both retired and serving military personnel in ensuring the nation’s security and their significant contributions in combating insurgency.

He guaranteed the Nigerian Armed Forces officers and personnel of the President’s unwavering resolve to eradicate insecurity in Nigeria, bolstered by the readiness and resilience of the military.