Military Explains Why Retirees Can’t Benefit from New Minimum Wage Chart
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has clarified that military retirees who left service before July 29, 2024, are not eligible to have their gratuities and debarment allowances recalculated under the new minimum wage regime.
Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Markus Kangye, made the clarification today in Abuja while briefing journalists on the activities of the Armed Forces.
He was responding to the recurring protest by retired personnel at the Ministry of Finance over alleged unpaid demobilisation allowances.
PRNigeria reports that dozens of the retirees have, in recent weeks, repeatedly blocked the gates of the Ministry in Abuja, demanding the payment of what they describe as their outstanding entitlements. The veterans insist that their gratuities, debarment allowances, and other dues should reflect the revised salary chart under the new minimum wage policy.
Kangye, however, said their demands “lack merit” as government policies take effect only from their stipulated implementation dates.
“Before the new minimum wage came into effect, there were two charts used in calculating military entitlements. The first was the pre-minimum wage chart, effective from 1 January 2024 to 28 July 2024. The second, which took effect from 29 July 2024, reflects the new minimum wage adjustments,” he explained.
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“Gratuity and debarment allowance for military personnel are calculated based on the chart effective at the time of retirement. So, those who retired before 29 July 2024 fall under the pre-minimum wage chart. They cannot have their entitlements calculated under the new regime.”
The Defence spokesman noted that the retirees protesting at the Finance Ministry fall within the category of those who retired between January and July 2024, before the implementation date of the new policy.
“Unfortunately, they continue to protest despite being educated on the two charts,” Kangye said, warning that their actions were disrupting government activities at the Ministry of Finance.
He stressed that while the military respects the right of citizens to protest, veterans must act responsibly and avoid undermining public institutions.
“The Defence Headquarters acknowledges freedom of legitimate protest, but the veterans are strongly advised to tread with caution and vacate the premises of the Ministry of Finance in order to allow government business to run smoothly,” he added.
Recalls that the veterans have staged several demonstrations in Abuja, accusing the government of neglect and non-payment of their dues. Despite assurances, they insist they will not back down until their demands are met.
By PRNigeria
