The Nigerian Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has directed retired soldiers protesting at the Federal Ministry of Finance Headquarters in Abuja to vacate the premises immediately. The ex-servicemen, who voluntarily left the Nigerian Army in 2024, have been protesting the government's failure to pay their long-overdue entitlements.
Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye, stated that while the Defence Headquarters recognizes the right to peaceful protest, the actions of the protesting soldiers are significantly disrupting the smooth operations of the Finance Ministry. Kangye urged the veterans to exercise caution and allow government activities to proceed without obstruction.
The protest stems from dissatisfaction with the calculation of gratuity and security debarment allowances following the introduction of two separate salary structures in 2024 related to the new national minimum wage. Retirees prior to July 29, 2024, are demanding recalculations based on the updated wage chart. However, the Defence Headquarters maintains that recalculations under the new structure for retirees before that date are not feasible under current policy.
Despite multiple rounds of dialogue and previous protests, including a shutdown of ministry activities in early 2025, the grievances persist. The DHQ reaffirmed its commitment to national security, civil order, and supporting peaceful resolutions to such disputes.