By Isiaka Mustapha, Editor-in-Chief, People’s Security Monitor

Retired military personnel under the Coalition of Concerned Veterans have threatened to stage a peaceful protest at the Military Pensions Board (MPB) in Abuja on Thursday, October 15, over alleged discrepancies in the 2026 pension adjustment formula and delays in settling outstanding entitlements. The coalition said it would mobilise veterans from across the country if the board failed to address their concerns before the planned demonstration.

In a letter addressed to the Chairman of the Military Pensions Board, Air Vice Marshal Mikail Abdulraheem, the coalition demanded an urgent review of the disputed formula, an audit of affected pension payments, the recalculation of entitlements where errors are established, and the payment of outstanding arrears. The letter, signed by Blessing Alabala, Director of the CCV/REMENAF National Headquarters Liaison Office, Abuja, was also copied to the Ministers of Defence, the Chief of Defence Staff and the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission.

The veterans said their concerns stemmed from reports that pension adjustments differed from the salary increases reportedly approved for serving military personnel. The reported increases were 80 per cent for personnel from Private to Staff Sergeant, 50 per cent for ranks from Warrant Officer to Colonel, and 30 per cent for officers above Colonel, including Brigadier General and equivalent ranks. They warned that discrepancies could undermine the welfare of retired personnel already affected by rising living costs and previous delays in pension payments.

According to the coalition, information attributed to the MPB chairman at a consultative meeting on October 9 indicated that the pension adjustment formula was based on years of service and rank. Under the reported arrangement, adjustments comprise 40 per cent for 10 years of service, an additional two per cent for each extra year, up to 90 per cent for 35 years of service, while Major General and equivalent ranks and above reportedly qualify for 100 per cent. The veterans argued that the formula could produce outcomes different from those expected under the applicable approvals and implementation directives.

The coalition clarified that it was not insisting that every salary increase must automatically translate into an identical percentage increase in pension payments. Instead, it called for authoritative clarification of the relationship between the approved salary increases and consequential pension adjustments, documentary evidence confirming the basis of the formula, and clarification on whether the same methodology was used for the 2024 increment. It also demanded the publication of pension computation guidelines, a transparent complaints procedure, a clear schedule for verified arrears and an urgent meeting with recognised veterans’ representatives.

The coalition said it preferred dialogue and an amicable resolution but would proceed with the protest if the board failed to provide a clear and satisfactory response. It warned that affected pensioners should not be left uncertain about how their benefits were calculated or when outstanding payments would be made, insisting that any established errors, inconsistencies or underpayments must be corrected promptly.