The Federal Government has initiated the payment of pension arrears and entitlements to retired military personnel, following directives from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to expedite the release of funds. This move comes after prolonged agitations by military veterans over unpaid pensions and gratuities.
Earlier this week, retired officers staged a protest at the Finance Ministry headquarters in Abuja, shutting down operations and demanding immediate action on their entitlements. The demonstration highlighted years of accumulated grievances over delayed payments, which many retirees argue have left them struggling financially.
In response, President Tinubu directed the Ministry of Finance to prioritize the release of funds to address these issues. Government officials confirmed that payments have started and assured veterans that all outstanding arrears would be cleared promptly.
While the initiative has been welcomed by some as a step toward resolving the long-standing issue, others remain cautious, urging the government to ensure timely and comprehensive disbursements.