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Abuja, Nigeria — Retired Nigerian army officers staged a peaceable protest on Monday, blocking the doorway to the Federal Ministry of Finance. The demonstrators known as for the immediate fee of their pensions and different entitlements, citing years of delayed funds and unfulfilled guarantees.
The protest, which drew dozens of retired service members, highlighted grievances starting from late pension disbursements to the non-implementation of minimal wage changes of their advantages. Holding placards and chanting slogans, the veterans decried what they described as neglect by the federal government, regardless of their a long time of service to the nation.
In an interview with The Bureau Newspaper, one of many protesters expressed frustration over the plight of retired officers.
“A few of our members are dying with out having fun with the advantages of what they labored for over 35 years. It’s heartbreaking,” he stated.
The retirees argued that their calls for should not solely professional however pressing, emphasizing that the federal government’s delays have triggered pointless hardship for a lot of of them and their households.
Longstanding Grievances
The demonstrators known as for fast motion to handle discrepancies of their pensions, notably the failure to regulate funds according to the nationwide minimal wage, a coverage adopted years in the past however not absolutely carried out of their pensions.
“We’re merely asking for what’s rightfully ours,” one other protester stated. “After serving this nation loyally for 35 years, we should dwell with dignity.”
Authorities Response
Officers from the Ministry of Finance didn’t instantly touch upon the protest. Nevertheless, the incident underscores rising tensions between retired army personnel and authorities companies tasked with managing their advantages.
The protesters vowed to maintain their demonstrations till their calls for are met, urging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to intervene straight.
Broader Implications
The protest highlights ongoing points with Nigeria’s pension system, which has confronted criticism for inefficiency and corruption. Advocacy teams have warned that unresolved disputes over pensions may discourage younger Nigerians from pursuing careers within the armed forces.
Because the demonstrators dispersed peacefully by mid-afternoon, their message was clear: the federal government should act swiftly to honour its obligations to those that have served the nation with distinction.
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