Retired Nigerian Soldiers Again Shut Down Finance Ministry In Abuja Over Unpaid Entitlements
SaharaReporters had reported in December how the ex-servicemen shut down activities at the Federal Ministry of Finance with music, displayed banners and carried different placards and inscriptions.
Retired soldiers under the group of Coalition of Concerned Veterans (CCV) on Tuesday again shut down activities at the Federal Ministry of Finance, demanding the full payment of their long-overdue entitlements.
SaharaReporters had reported in December how the ex-servicemen shut down activities at the Federal Ministry of Finance with music, displayed banners and carried different placards and inscriptions.
Among other demands by the retired military officers were; the non-payment of their palliatives and its arrears from October 2023 to November 2024.
The protesters also highlighted others as bulk SDA payments with new template regardless of retirement year, VFN bill to be reviewed and passed in line with global best practice and many others.
The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, who addressed the veterans had said the issue would be brought to an end as soon as possible.
The Minister had promised to pay them 50% of “our 20/28 and 320000, minimum wage while other entitlements will be discussed.”
“Our veterans that have served this nation so well, I salute you and I salute your steadfastness. I am not happy about the condition that has kept you here since morning and you are still here, it’s not a thing of joy and it doesn’t give us a feeling of contentment. I found it alarming, discomforting. It’s something I will like to bring to an end as soon as possible,” he added.
However, the group returned on Tuesday and barricaded the entrance to the Ministry of Finance in Abuja with canopies and chairs.
In response to their December protests, the Federal Government vowed to pay 50% of the owed entitlements and promised to settle the balance. But the retirees claimed the government has failed to fulfill its promise, prompting the resumption of their protests.
