By Kingston Magare 4.9.2025
Retired soldiers who have perched at the entrance of the Ministry of Finance protesting the nonpayment of their entitlements have been urged to leave the premises without delay.
According to the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) director of defence media operations, Maj. Gen. Markus Kangye who was speaking to media representatives Thursday in Abuja, the retirees though have the rights to protest, the military can no longer tolerate their presence at the Ministry of Finance.
“The Defence Headquarters acknowledges the freedom of legitimate protest, but the veterans are strongly advised to tread with caution and vacate the premises of the Federal Ministry of Finance in order to allow normal government functions to be seamlessly conducted at the Ministry,” said Maj-Gen Kangye.
He explained that the delay in the payment of the veterans’ entitlements was due to adjustments in the national minimum wage structure.
“The first chart was what we call the pre-minimum wage chart, which was effective from 1 January 2024 to 28 July 2024. This was the chart used to calculate the emoluments of some retired soldiers. The second chart was the real minimum wage chart, which took effect from 29 July to date.
“Gratuity and security debarment allowance for military personnel are calculated based on the salary chart applicable on the effective date of retirement. So, if a soldier retires today, the subsisting chart will be used to calculate his entitlements. If another chart is introduced tomorrow, his entitlements will not be recalculated based on that.
“Unfortunately, those who retired between 1 January and 28 July 2024, before the implementation of the new minimum wage, want their gratuity and security debarment allowance to be calculated using the new minimum wage chart. This cannot be done because the policy only came into effect on 29 July.
“Thus, soldiers who fall within the pre-minimum wage chart category are the ones continually protesting and erecting barricades at the Federal Ministry of Finance despite being educated on the two charts by the Defence Headquarters.
“It is necessary to reiterate that government policies have effective dates of implementation, and this case cannot be an exception.”
The retired soldiers Wednesday blocked the entrance to the Ministry of Finance forcing the Minister Mr. Wale Edun and his staff to fine alternative routes into their offices.
Maj.-Gen.-Markus-Kangye