By Abdul Lauya
The Military Pensions Board (MPB) has confirmed the successful clearance of all gratuity and Security Debarment Allowance (SDA) shortfalls owed to over 2,000 members of the Nigerian Army Regular Intake 27/28 who retired in 2023 and 2024.
The confirmation was made by MPB Chairman, Air Vice Marshal Abubakar Adamu, during the nationwide Veterans Interactive Session held on July 31, 2025, at the Nigerian Air Force Conference Centre and Suites, Abuja.
This follows a formal written complaint and protest staged earlier in July by affected veterans at the Federal Ministry of Finance, demanding immediate settlement of their outstanding entitlements.
AVM Adamu confirmed that the board had followed up the complaint and secured full payment for all verified cases.
The successful disbursement has been widely welcomed by veterans, many of whom described it as a gesture of justice.
Beyond the payments, the interactive session addressed a wide range of veteran welfare issues, including the contentious exclusion of 2,141 civil war veterans who fought on the side of the Nigerian government during the 1967–1970 conflict but are still not captured in the military pensions structure.
AVM Adamu assured the gathering that the matter has been revisited by the Board and forwarded to the appropriate authorities for further action.
He reaffirmed his commitment to an open-door policy, encouraging veterans to directly engage with the MPB regarding pension-related complaints.
Other matters raised at the session included poor access to healthcare services under the Defence Health Maintenance Limited (DHML), with several veterans decrying the lack of essential medications and inadequate NHIS coverage.
AVM Adamu backed calls for a comprehensive review of military healthcare provisions in the subsisting Manual of Financial Administration (MAFA) and the Terms and Conditions of Service (TACOS).
Also speaking virtually, a veteran from Port Harcourt proposed a legislative measure to allow pensions of deceased retirees to continue for six to twelve months posthumously to ease the burden on grieving families. MPB Chairman welcomed the idea, noting that such a policy would require legal backing.
The forum, which enabled both physical and virtual participation from veterans nationwide, was the first of its kind and drew commendation for its inclusivity and focus on veteran welfare.
While the full payment to Regular Intake 27/28 veterans was widely celebrated, speakers emphasized that full justice for the veteran community would only be achieved when all deserving war veterans, especially those excluded from pensions, are formally recognized and paid.
