Nigeria: Retired soldiers block Finance Ministry over unpaid benefits

By Zuleihat Owuiye, Mamos Nigeria

Dozens of retired soldiers barricaded the Federal Ministry of Finance in Abuja, protesting non-payment of their gratuities, Security Debarment Allowance (SDA), parking allowance, and salary shortfalls. The protest left ministry workers stranded for hours. The retirees, visibly angry, carried placards demanding immediate release of their outstanding entitlements.

The Military Pensions Board (MPB) Chairman, Air Vice Marshal Adamu, attempted to pacify the protesters, but they refused to disperse without concrete assurances. Later, senior officials from the Ministry of Finance met with selected representatives of the protesters to discuss their grievances.

The protesters claimed the MPB denied them the new national minimum wage, despite being disengaged on August, 2025 They vowed not to leave until the MPB Chairman confirms funds for their benefits have been released and payment alerts begin. The meeting between officials and protesters was ongoing at press time.