Posted by Amarachi on Tue 07th Jan, 2025 - tori.ng
Staff members were forced to park their cars outside the premises as the protesters refused to back down until their demands were addressed.
Retired military personnel barricaded the entrance to the Ministry of Finance in Abuja on Tuesday, January 7, to demand the full settlement of their unpaid entitlements.
The protesters, equipped with canopies and chairs, blocked access to the ministry, disrupting normal operations.
This marks the second such protest in recent months, following a similar action in December when the retirees also shut down the ministry over unresolved claims.
Despite receiving official approval for payment, the government cited a lack of funds as the reason for the delay.
The retirees are owed a salary increment of 20% to 28%, covering the period from January to November 2024.
They are also demanding payments for other outstanding benefits, including:
– Palliatives for October 2023 to November 2024.
– A ₦32,000 pension increase.
– A lump sum payment of the Security Debarment Allowance.
– A refund of pension deductions from medically discharged soldiers.
Following their December protests, the Federal Government paid 50% of the outstanding entitlements and pledged to clear the balance.
However, the retirees allege that the government has failed to honor this promise, leading to the renewed demonstration.
During Tuesday’s protest, the retirees blocked the ministry’s gates with their makeshift setup, preventing vehicles from entering.
Staff members were forced to park their cars outside the premises as the protesters refused to back down until their demands were addressed.
See photos from the protest below: