It was a herculean task accessing the Ministry of Finance Central Area in Abuja yesterday, as retired military personnel formed a barricade at its entrance with canopies and chairs, demanding the full payment of their overdue entitlements.

The action followed a similar one in December 2024, during which the retirees shut down the ministry over the federal government’s failure to settle their claims.

For several months, the retirees were told there were no funds to clear their entitlements, despite an official approval for payment. They claimed to be owed between 20 per cent and 28 per cent salary increments covering January to November 2024.

The retirees are also demanding payments for other outstanding benefits, including palliatives for the period between October 2023 and November 2024, an additional N32,000 added to their pensions, a bulk payment of the Security Debarment Allowance and a refund of pension deductions from the salaries of medically boarded soldiers.

In response to their December protest, the federal government paid 50 per cent of the owed entitlements and promised to settle the balance. However, the retirees claim the government has failed to fulfil its promise, prompting the resumption of their protest.

At the Ministry of Finance headquarters in Abuja, some came with water and food and erected canopies. Others placed chairs to block the gate, effectively preventing staff from driving into the premises, and forcing many to park their vehicles outside.

Leader of the senior citizens, Colonel Azubuike Nas (Rtd) noted that the Minister of Finance had pledged to clear 50 per cent of their accrued arrears, which they did, but reneged in their promise to pay the remaining balance.

He noted that they have been taken for granted enough. He, however, commended the prompt response by the Chairman of the Military pensions board.

“They have been dribbling us for the past eight months. Enough is enough. With his presence, we are assured that our request has been granted,” he said.

Chairman of Military Pensions Board (MPB), Air Vice Marshal Paul Irumheson who arrived at the venue of the protest at about 2:45 p.m., calmed the angry senior citizens, promising them that the Ministry of Finance had heard their cries and credited the Board for onward payment.

According to AVM Paul Irumheson, “By this evening, you will start receiving alerts. I can confirm to you that we have received the money. Please go back home, your money will be paid.”