Tinubu Approves Release Of Funds For Payment Of Pension Arrears to Military Veterans After Protests

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the prompt release of funds to settle pension arrears, salary increases, and other entitlements due to retired military personnel.

This follows two days of peaceful protests by military veterans at the Federal Ministry of Finance.

The Minister of State for Defence, Bello Muhammed Matawalle, announced the President’s intervention on Friday, expressing gratitude for the swift action. In a statement from the Ministry of Defence, the Director of Press and Public Relations, Henshaw Ogubike, confirmed that military personnel had received payment alerts.

Matawalle commended President Tinubu for his unwavering commitment to the welfare of both active and retired military personnel, highlighting the administration’s focus on addressing outstanding pension arrears to improve their living conditions.

The minister also acknowledged the efforts of the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, for ensuring the successful disbursement of the funds. He urged the Nigerian military to remain dedicated to their duties and reassured them of the President’s ongoing support in tackling national security challenges.

“Despite initial setbacks, be assured that Mr. President is committed to uplifting our military forces as they confront the challenges of insecurity,” he stated.

Highlighting the critical role of the Nigerian military in combating insurgency, terrorism, and other forms of criminality, Matawalle reaffirmed the government’s dedication to eradicating insecurity.

He concluded by assuring the Armed Forces of President Tinubu’s steadfast support and commitment to improving their readiness and resilience in securing the nation.

In another development, yhe Societal Safety Network, SSN, has appealed to President Tinubu to enforce compliance with retirement laws in the Nigeria Customs Service,NCS.

It said such action by the president was needed to strengthen leadership oversight as well as promote younger officers to ensure the continuity of his reforms.

Addressing the media, Thursday, in Abuja, the group’s director of public communications,

Asuku Sunday, expressed concern over what he termed as “the growing leadership crisis within the NCS, specifically regarding senior officers who are due for retirement but refuse to vacate their positions.

Warning that this situation could lead to a brewing scandal that would damage the reputation of the NCS and the nation, he tasked the Comptroller-General of Customs to make a public statement regarding the status of these officers.

Speaking further during the conference, titled: “Nigeria Customs Service, the Nigerian Economy, National Interest, and Moral Responsibility,” he called for urgent action from the president to enforce mandatory retirement laws within the Nigeria Customs Service.

He said:”This violation of the NCS Act 2023 and civil service rules has far-reaching implications, such as disrupting the organizational structure. Retired officers lingering in office prevent newly promoted officers from assuming their roles and block the chance of bringing in new officers through recruitment, which is particularly important as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration is committed to reducing unemployment among youth in Nigeria.

“This act of seat-tight syndrome in the Nigeria Customs Service weakens meritocracy, denies opportunities for younger officers, undermines career progression, and damages organizational morale.

“We urge the Comptroller-General to make a public statement on the status of these officers, both in the press and through a report to the President and Commander-in-Chief, within seven working days of this publication. Failure to do so will compel us to petition the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) with the findings of our investigation, alongside mass action in the public interest regarding the activities of the service.

“We also urge His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to ensure compliance with retirement laws, direct all officers due for retirement to proceed immediately in accordance with civil service rules, strengthen leadership oversight, and avoid the pitfalls of previous administrations by ensuring accountability at all levels of the NCS.”