After protest, CDS assures military retirees of consequential pension rise

Nigeria's Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, has assured military retirees that they will benefit from consequential increases in their pensions whenever the salaries and emoluments of serving personnel are adjusted. This commitment was made during an interactive engagement with military veterans from the North-East zone in Yola, Adamawa State.

The assurance comes a day after retired military personnel protested at the Ministry of Defence in Abuja. The retirees demanded corresponding increases in their pensions, particularly following a recent salary adjustment for military personnel that is set to take effect in September. The protest was eventually suspended after the Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (retd.), assured the veterans that their concerns would be addressed.

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In line with extant policies, adjustments to the emoluments of serving personnel have a consequential increase to the pensions of veterans.

A statement released by the Director of Defence Information, Maj. Samila Uba, clarified that the ongoing salary review for serving personnel is inclusive and that its implementation is already underway. "In line with extant policies, adjustments to the emoluments of serving personnel have a consequential increase to the pensions of veterans," the statement read.

Gen. Oluyede reaffirmed the Defence Headquarters' dedication to enhancing the welfare and dignity of retired military personnel and their families. The DHQ is actively pursuing several initiatives, such as collaborating with the Bank of Industry to provide access to low-interest loans for business ventures for both serving and retired personnel and their families. Additionally, a percentage of patronage at the new Defence Hospital will be reserved for veterans. These initiatives have the support of President Bola Tinubu, who has provided resources to acknowledge the sacrifices of military personnel. During the engagement, veterans also raised other welfare concerns, which the CDS pledged would receive appropriate attention.

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The uniform may have been taken off, but the nation’s gratitude will never fade.