The Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (retd.), has assured protesting military veterans that the Federal Government will address their concerns over pension adjustments and other welfare issues.
Musa gave the assurance on Wednesday when representatives of the protesting ex-servicemen visited the Ministry of Defence at Ship House, Abuja.
The minister, who was represented by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Richard Pheelangwah, said the government remained committed to addressing the welfare, remuneration and pension concerns of retired military personnel.
The meeting came amid a heavy security presence around the ministry after armed soldiers and police officers earlier prevented the veterans from gathering at the premises to commence their planned protest.
The ex-servicemen are demanding the implementation of consequential adjustments to their pensions following salary increases approved for serving military personnel.
In a statement issued by the ministry’s spokesperson, Henshaw Ogubike, Musa acknowledged the sacrifices of retired military personnel and said their welfare remained a priority for the Federal Government.
He said issues relating to wage and pension adjustments were receiving “urgent attention”, with relevant military, pension and financial authorities being engaged to find a sustainable solution.
“Concerns relating to wage and pension adjustments are receiving urgent attention, with relevant military, pension and financial authorities being engaged to achieve a fair, sustainable and implementable resolution that ensures veterans are not unfairly disadvantaged,” the statement partly read.
Musa appealed to the protesters to remain calm and embrace dialogue, saying sustained engagement was the best way to resolve the outstanding issues.
He stressed that any adjustment to veterans’ entitlements must be properly calculated, adequately funded and implemented in line with existing approvals, regulations and due process.
The minister also assured the veterans that the Ministry of Defence would continue engaging their representatives and provide updates as progress was made on their demands.
He reiterated the government’s appreciation of the patriotism and sacrifices of military veterans, saying their service to the country must be recognised through continued attention to their welfare and legitimate entitlements.