Military pensioners threaten a nationwide protest in Abuja over a disputed pension adjustment formula and unpaid arrears.
The Coalition of Concerned Veterans has threatened to stage a peaceful protest at the Military Pensions Board in Abuja on Thursday, October 15, 2026. The planned demonstration aims to contest a disputed pension adjustment formula and alleged delays in settling outstanding entitlements.
If the board fails to provide a satisfactory response before the scheduled date, the coalition will mobilize retired military personnel from across Nigeria. The leadership insists that dialogue remains the preferred route, but they are fully prepared to proceed with the demonstration.
The formal notice was delivered through an official letter addressed to the board chairman, Air Vice Marshal Mikail Abdulraheem, according to information published by punchng.
Demands for Pension Review and Arrears Settlement
Signed by Blessing Alabala, Director at the coalition liaison office, the letter demands an urgent review of the pension computation formula. It also calls for an audit of affected payments, the recalculation of discrepant pensions, and the immediate payment of outstanding arrears.
Copies of the letter were forwarded to key government figures, including the Ministers of Defence, the Chief of Defence Staff, and the Chairman of the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission. Veterans are demanding transparent communication regarding computation guidelines and clear payment schedules.
Discrepancies Between Serving and Retired Personnel Salaries
The core grievance stems from reports that the methodology applied to retired personnel differs from percentage increases approved for serving personnel. Recent salary adjustments reportedly granted 80 per cent to Privates up to Staff Sergeants.
Furthermore, increases reached 50 per cent for Warrant Officers to Colonels, and 30 per cent for personnel above the rank of Colonel. Veterans fear these discrepancies repeat the hardships experienced in 2024 due to delayed implementations and unpaid entitlements.
Disputed Service Year Formula and Future Actions
Information from a consultative meeting on October 9 indicated that the applied pension adjustment relies heavily on years of service and rank. Specifically, adjustments comprise 40 per cent for 10 years of service, adding two per cent annually up to a maximum of 90 per cent for 35 years.
While Major-Generals and above receive 100 per cent, the coalition argues this methodology yields unexpected outcomes. They seek authoritative clarification from President Bola Tinubu and relevant authorities to ensure alignment with official directives and directives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are retired soldiers threatening a protest in Abuja?
Retired military personnel under the Coalition of Concerned Veterans are protesting a disputed pension adjustment formula and delays in settling entitlements at the Military Pensions Board.
When is the planned protest by military pensioners scheduled to take place?
The peaceful protest is scheduled for Thursday, October 15, 2026, at 0800 hours at the Military Pensions Board in Abuja, led by coalition officials including Blessing Alabala.
Who is the chairman of the Military Pensions Board?
The Chairman of the Military Pensions Board is Air Vice Marshal Mikail Abdulraheem, who received the formal grievance letter from the veterans coalition.
What are the main demands of the Coalition of Concerned Veterans?
The coalition demands a review of the pension computation formula, an audit of affected payments, recalculation of discrepancies, and the settlement of all outstanding arrears.
