By Siju Siju
Following a protest by some retired soldiers at the Federal Ministry of Finance in Abuja earlier this week, it became imperative for the Nigerian Army to provide clarification.
The demonstration, which blocked the main entrance of the ministry, centred on claims of unpaid gratuities, Security Debarment Allowance (SDA) and a so‑called “parking allowance” allegedly owed to veterans discharged on July 1, 2024.
Army authorities have described the allegations as “inaccurate and misleading” and warned that they have generated “widespread misinformation”. According to sources at the Military Pensions Board, all entitlements due to retirees had been processed and paid in line with established government regulations. Specifically, the SDA—a one‑off payment introduced in 2017 to support military personnel transitioning to civilian life—was fully disbursed to all eligible beneficiaries following strict verification and audit procedures.
On the contentious issue of the so‑called “parking allowance”, Army officials were unequivocal: no such allowance exists as a separate item in military financial regulations. Relocation support, they explained, is already included within the retirement benefits package. “The so‑called parking allowance does not exist under any extant financial instruction. Retired personnel have already received relocation support as part of their gratuity,” one source confirmed.
Regarding minimum wage adjustments, which protesters claimed had not been reflected in their payments, officials explained that gratuities and pensions are calculated according to the salary structure applicable at the time of disengagement. Adjustments resulting from subsequent wage reviews, including those linked to the 2024 national minimum wage, are not applied retrospectively to individuals already out of service. This principle, they said, is consistent with wider public service practice and is not unique to the military.
The Nigerian Army has long been recognised for its commitment to the welfare of both serving and retired personnel, with robust systems in place to address genuine grievances through transparent complaints and appeals processes. Veterans with concerns about their benefits are therefore encouraged to use official channels where issues are handled promptly and fairly, rather than resort to public demonstrations such as the one witnessed at the Finance Ministry on Monday.
If, as the Army maintains, the protests were based on inaccurate claims, such actions risk undermining public confidence and eroding the dignity traditionally associated with military service. Misinformation of this nature creates unnecessary tension and damages public trust in both the institution and its veterans.
This situation calls for dialogue grounded in verified facts and mutual respect. Retired personnel are encouraged to channel their concerns constructively, while the Army continues to engage veterans’ associations and relevant government agencies to strengthen welfare support and improve service delivery.
The Army’s clarification should reassure the public that veterans are not being abandoned and that their welfare remains a central priority.