Introduction

Retired Nigerian military personnel have announced plans to protest at the Military Pensions Board in Abuja, citing a disputed pension adjustment formula and delayed entitlements. The Coalition of Concerned Veterans argues the current calculation method diverges from recent salary increases approved for active-duty personnel.

What Happened

The Coalition of Concerned Veterans, comprising affiliated veterans' associations, delivered a formal letter to the Military Pensions Board chairman, Air Vice Marshal Mikail Abdulraheem, urging an urgent review of the pension computation formula. The group demands an audit of affected payments, recalculation of discrepancies, and immediate settlement of outstanding arrears. The protest is scheduled for Thursday, October 15, 2026, at 0800 hours if responses remain unsatisfactory.

Why This Matters

This dispute highlights a growing rift between the pension computation methodology applied to retired personnel and the percentage increases recently approved for serving military personnel. Reports indicate serving members received up to 80 percent adjustments depending on rank, while the pension formula reportedly bases adjustments on years of service and rank, potentially creating inequities. Veterans argue that without transparent clarification and documented evidence linking the two approaches, retired officers face financial hardship similar to experiences in 2024.

Key Takeaways

  • The coalition has called for a comprehensive review of pension computations affected by the disputed formula.
  • Veterans demand that the board communicate the amounts due, explain the methodology, and publish a clear payment schedule for verified arrears.
  • Additional requests include the publication of official pension guidelines, a transparent complaints procedure, and an urgent consultative meeting with recognised veterans' representatives.
  • If dialogue fails, the group plans a peaceful protest at the Military Pensions Board in Abuja on October 15, 2026.

Conclusion

As the October 15 protest date approaches, the Military Pensions Board faces pressure to address veteran concerns through concrete action and transparent communication. The situation underscores the need for alignment between active-duty salary adjustments and retired personnel pension calculations, ensuring fairness and maintaining trust within the military community.