- The protest is expected to be large
Military retirees across Nigeria are set to protest in Abuja on Thursday over the continued delay in the payment of their entitlements, despite receiving approval for the funds.
Some pensioners have been waiting for 11 months, with no sign of when their payments will be made.
Col. Innocent Azubuike (retd.), a leader of the group, told Punch that they were informed payments were delayed due to a lack of cash-backing. “We were assured our dues would be settled in November, but that month has passed with no payment,” he said.
Azubuike expressed frustration, stating that the issue now lies with the Federal Ministry of Finance, not the Ministry of Defence. He added that the retirees were taking matters into their own hands, demanding their pension rights after months of hardship.
The protest is expected to be large, with preparations underway, including the provision of mobile toilets and sleeping mats for the demonstrators.