Military Veterans’ Welfare: Endless Agitations Amidst Broken Promises
By Abdul Lauya
Introduction
The journey of Agitations for improved welfare for retired members of the Nigerian armed forces has been tortuously frustrating. From the inception of the Fourth Republic beginning with Obasanjo, followed by Yar’Adua/Jonathan to Buhari’s administrations, the “violent always taketh by force”.
No administration in recent history has attended to the legitimate welfare of the military Pensioners without agitations or confrontation. The most recent in the endless agitations for legitimate rights, not privileges began in 2020 with the exclusion of the pre-2017 veterans in the payment of Security Debarment Allowance (SDA).
To refresh our memories, SDA is a global practice where retiring military personnel are entitled to the equivalent of 10% of their annual salary multiplied by number of years served. This practice serves to debar retired members from deploying military knowledge and skills obtained in service against the state.
Petitions, Unending Agitations, Protests, Deceits & Broken Promises
After fruitless letter writing, radio and TV appearances, newspaper publications, and social media advocacy, It took the deployment of peaceful protests to attract the attention of President Buhari who himself is a military Pensioner.
When the pre-2027 Pensioners were finally considered, a new twist was added that made nonsense of the purpose of the SDA. The first fresh injustice introduced was that, veterans who retired before 2011 are to receive 10% of their 1970 or 1980 salary. This means that a 69/79NA MWO whose salary was N5,000 at the time of retirement will receive 10% of N60,000 * 35 = 210,000. This, veterans opposed vehemently and advocated for the use of the 2011 Armed Forces salary review for pre-2017 Retirees.
The second twist introduced was that, the money as paltry as it is, would be paid in 12 instalments over a period of 3 years (2023 – 2025). All efforts to get the authorities rescind their decision in the interest of justice and fairness proved abortive. As we speak, we are expecting the last three tranches which will end in December 2025. And so, 8 months to the end of the 3 years SDA payment plan, nothing has changed.
Ongoing Agitations & Unmet Expectations
The agitation for bulk payments of the balance of SDA is not being met, just as authorities have refused to consider 2011 salary template for payment of SDA to pre-2017 retirees, and payment of arrears arising from shortfalls in earlier payments.
In addition to the lingering SDA imbroglio, there exists some ongoing agitations regarding the payment of 20/28% pension increase and the N32,000 minimum wage flat rate increment across board. While the 12 months and 5 months arrears have been paid respectively, and the new pensions regime implemented in March 2025, the outstanding two months arrears from January to February 2025 is pending with no hope of payment any soon.
And so veterans have continued to express frustration and disappointment over broken Promises, and delays in implementing agreements reached, including statutory pension increment and adjustments.
Current Situation
As veterans Continue to advocate for improved welfare, government has responded to some of their demands, with many issues including the SDA bulk payment and balance of two months (January – February) arrears still unresolved.
Dealing With Enemies Within
Since the publication of Gearge Orwel’s treatise “Animal Farm”, it has become entrenched that “all animals are equal, but some are more equal than others”. History of agitations and activism is replete with twist of leaders of proletariat often forgetting their mission, and begin to wine and dine with their oppressors, after being compromised.
Since 2020, we have witnessed where veterans leadership abandoned their mission of serving the interest of vulnerable Pensioners, some of whom are bedridden, paralyzed, blind due to injuries sustained in active service or frail due to old age, while pursuing vain and temporary gains.
The latest twist in the failed veterans leadership is the trend where, those who are supposed to lead agitations on behalf of veterans have become unofficial/self appointed mouthpiece for our oppressors. These veterans leaders churn out deliberate misinformation or outright lies on pending welfare issues that never turn out to be true; all in the name of buying time and preventing any call for protests.
Way Forward
To address and Forestall recurring agitations by military veterans, the following steps are recommended:
Review and Implement Promises
Government should review previous agreements and implement outstanding promises to demonstrate government’s commitment to veterans’ welfare, in order to restore confidence in government.
Develop & Implement Improved Welfare Packages
Authorities should develop and implement deliberate, robust and comprehensive welfare packages, including rejigging the Defence Health Maintenance Limited (DHML) to better cater to the healthcare needs of members; as well as education and housing support among others.
Transparency and Accountability
Authorities should be intentional, ensure transparency and accountability in the implementation of agreements entered into with veterans community.
Stakeholder Engagement
Government should engage regularly with veterans’ representatives selected through popular votes (not self serving/self appointed individuals, civil society organizations, and relevant stakeholders to ensure a collaborative approach to veterans welfare issues.
Lauya is a Navy veteran, and CEO/Editor-in-chief of Eye Reporters Media Ltd.
