Pension row: Military retirees protest today

On Monday, the Military Pensions Board held a meeting with the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission to discuss the new national minimum wage and its effects on retired military personnel's pension structure. Air Vice Marshal M Abdulraheem, the Board's Chairman, received a delegation from the commission at the board's headquarters in Abuja.

Abdulraheem emphasized the board's commitment to ensuring pensioners receive full benefits from the approved wage and pension adjustments, prioritizing the implementation due to its direct impact on the welfare of retired servicemen and women.

During the visit, the delegation was briefed on the Board's processes for reviewing pension entitlements, validating records, and ensuring approved adjustments are reflected in pension payments. They also interacted with management staff and observed the Board's systems for accuracy and timely payments. The Board assured that it is committed to prompt, transparent, and dignified pension payments, as well as the overall welfare of retired military personnel.

The meeting occurs as the Board implements revised pension rates following adjustments from the new national minimum wage. The Board had announced the commencement of pension payments at the approved rates and processing of applicable arrears, with credits to pensioners' accounts beginning on October 2, 2026. On October 9, the Board disclosed that it held a consultative meeting with representatives of military veterans' associations to address concerns about the implementation of the revised rates.