The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has dismissed the protest by retired military personnel over unpaid demobilisation allowances as baseless, urging the veterans to vacate the Ministry of Finance premises in Abuja.
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Markus Kangye, disclosed this on Thursday in Abuja during a briefing on Armed Forces operations.
Reports indicate that the retirees have repeatedly blocked the ministry’s entrance, demanding payment of gratuities, debarment allowances and other entitlements. Despite several appeals, they have refused to leave until their demands are met.
Kangye explained that the dispute arose from the implementation of the new minimum wage in 2024, which created two salary charts for calculating soldiers’ benefits.
“The first chart covered 1 January to 28 July 2024, while the second, based on the new minimum wage, took effect from 29 July 2024,” he said.
According to him, gratuities and debarment allowances are strictly calculated using the salary chart applicable on the date of retirement.
“Unfortunately, those who retired before 29 July 2024 want their entitlements recalculated under the new chart, which is not possible. Government policies cannot be applied retroactively,” Kangye said.
While acknowledging the veterans’ right to protest, he warned that their blockade of the ministry disrupts government operations.
“The Defence Headquarters strongly advises the veterans to tread with caution and vacate the premises to allow normal activities to continue,” he added.
