By Peter Omopo
September 4, 2025
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has ordered retired soldiers protesting at the Federal Ministry of Finance in Abuja over unpaid benefits to vacate the premises, warning that their action is obstructing government operations.
Speaking at a press briefing on Thursday, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye, said the agitation arose from the introduction of two separate salary charts in 2024, following the implementation of the new minimum wage.
According to him, a “pre-minimum wage chart” was applicable from January 1 to July 28, 2024, while the “minimum wage chart” took effect on July 29, 2024, and remains in force.
Kangye explained that gratuity and security debarment allowances are calculated based on the salary structure in effect at the time of retirement, stressing that demands by soldiers who retired before July 29, 2024, to have their entitlements recalculated under the new chart were not feasible.
“Those who fall within the pre-minimum wage chart category are the soldiers who have continued to protest and block access to the Federal Ministry of Finance, despite repeated explanations from the Defence Headquarters,” he said.
He maintained that while the veterans had been adequately briefed, their continued protests were disrupting the smooth running of government business at the ministry.
“While the Defence Headquarters acknowledges the right to legitimate protest, the veterans are strongly advised to tread with caution and vacate the premises of the Ministry of Finance to allow government functions to continue seamlessly,” Kangye cautioned.
