By Elizabeth Godwin
On Monday, a group of former Nigerian Army personnel who voluntarily disengaged in the third and fourth quarters of 2023 gathered in front of the Federal Ministry of Finance in Abuja to stage a peaceful protest. The ex-soldiers, who officially exited service on July 1, 2024, are demanding the immediate payment of several outstanding entitlements they say are long overdue.
Carrying banners and placards, the protesters listed key demands including the full payment of their gratuities, Salary Deductions Allowance (SDA) based on the new national minimum wage, refunds for housing scheme contributions, and payments under the Nigerian Army Welfare Insurance Scheme (NAWIS) and BenFund. They are also seeking the settlement of their packing allowance, which covers relocation costs after disengagement.
Speaking to reporters, many of the ex-servicemen expressed frustration, saying they had served the country with loyalty and dedication, only to be met with silence and neglect at the end of their service. One protester voiced the group’s sentiment, saying, “We have fulfilled our part by serving this country faithfully. Now, it is the government’s duty to honour its promise and pay what is due to us.”
Despite their peaceful approach and clear articulation of demands, no official from the Ministry of Finance had addressed the protesters by the time of filing this report. The lack of response has only deepened concerns among the ex-soldiers, who say the delay reflects broader issues of accountability and respect for veterans’ welfare in the country.
The protest highlights ongoing tensions between retired military personnel and the government over delayed or denied entitlements, raising questions about how Nigeria treats those who have sacrificed years of their lives in service to the nation. The ex-servicemen say they will continue to press for their rights until their demands are met.
