Military retirees barricade pensions board office in Abuja over payment dispute

Retired military personnel on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, barricaded the entrance to the Military Pensions Board office in Abuja to protest what they described as an unfair formula for calculating their pension adjustments.

The veterans gathered at the board’s premises in the Dutse Alhaji area, blocking access with chairs and canopies as they demanded a review of their entitlements.

Armed soldiers were stationed at the entrance and prevented the protesters from entering the facility.

Retirees demand review of pension calculations

The demonstration followed an earlier protest at the Ministry of Defence in September, when retired military personnel demanded increases in their pensions following salary adjustments for serving members of the Armed Forces.

Defence Minister Christopher Musa had reportedly assured the veterans that their pensions would be increased in October.

However, the retirees alleged that the calculation method subsequently adopted by the Military Pensions Board did not adequately reflect the salary increases granted to serving personnel.

Coordinator of the Veterans Association of Nigeria, Lieutenant Colonel Innocent Azubike, accused the board of implementing a formula that allegedly disadvantaged some retired officers.

The protesters called for a transparent review of the pension adjustment process to ensure that eligible veterans receive their correct entitlements.

Military Pensions Board begins implementing new rates

The Military Pensions Board had previously announced that it had begun implementing revised pension rates following adjustments linked to the national minimum wage.

It also said applicable pension arrears had been processed, with payments to beneficiaries’ accounts beginning on October 2.

The board held discussions with the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission on Monday concerning the implementation of revised pension rates.

Despite these developments, the protesting veterans maintained that the adjustments required further review.

The dispute has renewed attention on pension administration and the welfare of retired military personnel in Nigeria.