Military Retirees Protest in Abuja Over Pension Adjustments

Retired military personnel staged a protest in Abuja on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, over concerns about pension adjustments and the implementation of benefits due to former members of the armed forces. According to multiple reliable reports, the demonstration took place at the Military Pensions Board (MPB) office in Dutse Alhaji, Abuja reported also as Kubwa axis, Abuja. The retirees barricaded the entrance with canopies and chairs as early as 8 a.m., blocking access to the premises while armed soldiers stood guard and prevented entry. This is the second major action in weeks, after military retirees protested at the Ministry of Defence in August/September demanding an increase following salary adjustments for serving personnel. The protest was led by Lt. Col. Innocent Azubuike, coordinator of the Veterans Association of Nigeria, who said about 100,000 veterans were affected. The veterans accused the board of short-changing them through alleged underpayment of approved adjustments and demanded, they allege the board failed to apply approved percentage increases directly to pensions retirees were receiving before adjustment, 80 per cent for Private to Staff Sergeant 50 per cent for Warrant Officers to Colonels 30 per cent for Brigadier Generals and higher ranks, they cited an example where two retired privates who each served 35 years but retired a year apart would receive different pensions one N162,000 and the other N154,800 because the board applied the 90% pension rate to the 80% increase, instead of adding 80% to the existing pension, forensic audit of the Military Pensions Board to determine how much money was released for pension adjustments and how it was spent, and payment of outstanding arrears. “We have gotten presidential approval for the consequential allowance on the percentages allotted to various rank categories. Now, in paying us this consequential adjustment, Pension Board did not pay this very approved percentage,” Azubuike said. Authorities’ Response. The board announced it had commenced implementation of the newly approved pension rates following adjustments occasioned by the new minimum wage, and that applicable pension arrears had been processed with credits to pensioners’ accounts commencing on October 2, 2026. Chairman Air Vice Marshal M. Abdulraheem reaffirmed the board’s commitment to ensuring pensioners benefit fully from approved wage and pension adjustments. The board said it held a consultative meeting on October 9 with representatives of veterans’ associations to clarify concerns. On Tuesday, after the blockade, the board and the Veterans Association agreed to engage transparently and clarify pension computations. Defence Minister Christopher Musa had previously promised in September that retirees would receive an increase in October, after the earlier protest at the Ministry of Defence. The veterans rejected the October 9 meeting, saying participants were invited at short notice from around Abuja and did not represent the wider veteran community, which triggered further anger. The MPB says it is reviewing systems to ensure accurate calculations, while veterans say they will remain mobilized until official assurances are backed by concrete recalculations. A Coalition of Concerned Veterans has also threatened a further peaceful protest on October 15 if concerns remain unaddressed. The welfare of retired military personnel remains sensitive, as many depend on pensions for housing, medical and family expenses.