EX-SOLDIERS PROTEST IN ABUJA, DEMAND UNPAID ENTITLEMENTS

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BY OWOLABI OLUWADARA

Several former soldiers of the Nigerian Army who voluntarily separated during the third and fourth quarters of 2023 organized a peaceful demonstration on Monday in front of the Federal Ministry of Finance headquarters in Abuja, insisting on the prompt disbursement of their pending entitlements.

The discontented former servicemen, who officially exited the military on July 1, 2024, brandished placards enumerating their requests, which encompass: full settlement of gratuity and Salary Deductions Allowance (SDA) in accordance with the new national minimum wage, payment of contributions to the housing scheme, disbursement of NAWIS/BenFund, and resolution of their packing allowance.

The demonstrators, many of whom articulated their commitment to serving the nation faithfully for many years, voiced their discontent regarding the prolonged delay, characterizing it as an inequitable treatment following years of service.

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“We have completed our responsibility by serving this nation diligently. Now, it is the obligation of the government to uphold its commitment and compensate us for what is owed,” stated one of the demonstrators.

At the time of submitting this report, representatives from the Ministry of Finance had not yet engaged with the protesters.