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The Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa, is expected to meet with military veterans as the Nigerian Government intensifies efforts to prevent a planned protest in Abuja over delays in implementing the approved Armed Forces salary review and the corresponding pension increase for retired personnel.
One of the protest coordinators, retired Lt. Col. Innocent Azubike Nass, disclosed on Sunday that although a meeting date had not been finalised, discussions with officials of the Ministry of Defence were being arranged.
According to him, preparations for the planned demonstration remain on course despite the planned engagement with the ministry.
Azubike said the organisers had completed major logistical arrangements, including raising funds through contributions from veterans to support the protest.
He explained that the organisers would visit the Ministry of Defence for talks, expressing hope that the discussions would address the concerns of retired military personnel.
The planned meeting comes as veterans continue mobilising for what they described as a peaceful protest over the delay in implementing the pension adjustment approved alongside the salary increase for serving members of the Armed Forces.
According to the organisers, enough funds have already been raised through voluntary donations to commence the protest, which is expected to take place in Abuja next week.
They noted that the exact date for the demonstration would be announced before the weekend.
The veterans said they were preparing for an initial three-day protest but warned that the action could continue until the government provides evidence that the pension increment has been reflected in their July pension payments.
They also expressed hope that additional donations would help sustain participants throughout the demonstration if it extends beyond the planned period.
The retired personnel insisted they would not leave the protest venue without clear confirmation that the pension increase had been implemented and that a definite timeline had been provided for the payment of accumulated arrears.
They further rejected any arrangement that would spread the payment of arrears over several quarters, arguing that the country has sufficient resources to settle the outstanding obligations within the year.
The veterans maintained that they had earned improved welfare after years of dedicated service, noting that many retired personnel continue to live with disabilities sustained while serving the nation.
The planned protest follows repeated complaints by retired military personnel over delays in implementing the pension component of the salary increase approved for serving members of the Armed Forces.
The veterans expressed hope that the forthcoming engagement with the Ministry of Defence would produce concrete commitments capable of resolving the dispute before the planned protest begins.
