Retired Military Personnel on Wednesday staged a protest in Abuja over the alleged non-implementation of consequential adjustments to their pensions following salary increases approved for serving personnel.*
The pensioners converged on an open field in Area 10, Garki, near the Ministry of Defence, carrying placards demanding that the Federal Government implement outstanding pension adjustments.
President Bola Tinubu had recently approved a new salary scale for serving military officers. Personnel from the rank of Colonel to Warrant Officer got a 50 per cent increase, while those from Staff Sergeant to Private received an 80 per cent increase.
The protesters, drawn from the Armed Forces, Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Immigration Service, Vehicle Inspection Officers, and others, said they should not be excluded after serving the country for 35 years or more.
Speaking for the group, retired Lieutenant Colonel Innocent Anas said pensioners are legally entitled to consequential adjustments whenever salaries of serving personnel are increased.
He noted that the salary increase approved for military and paramilitary personnel in November 2025 had yet to reflect in pension payments.
“Since last year, November last year, Mr President approved the new salary increase for the military and the paramilitary… November last year, this is August this year; they have not implemented it as if it’s a scam,” he said.
Anas argued that failure to adjust pensions violated constitutional and legal provisions.
“We have paid our dues in patriotic service to this nation. There is a constitutional provision that when you increase the pay of any personnel, there should be a consequential allowance, consequential adjustment for pensioners,” he stated.
He warned that without adjustments, disparities would arise where recently retired junior ranks could earn higher pensions than senior officers who retired years earlier.
The pensioners urged the Federal Government to immediately implement the adjustments in line with the Armed Forces Act and the Constitution to prevent retired personnel from being disadvantaged.
