By Abdul Lauya
Chairman of the Military Pensions Board (MPB), Air Vice Marshal Abubakar Adamu, has taken steps to address the longstanding exclusion of 2,141 war veterans who fought on the side of the Nigerian government during the 1967–1970 Civil War but are yet to receive their pension entitlements.
Speaking during the first-ever all-inclusive nationwide Veterans Interactive Session held on July 31, 2025, at the NAF Conference Centre and Suites, Abuja, AVM Adamu confirmed that the matter has been revisited by the Board and forwarded to appropriate superior authorities for further consideration and possible redress.
The disclosure came as a relief to many veterans who have long protested the perceived injustice. While some former Biafran soldiers have reportedly been reintegrated and placed on pension payroll, their counterparts who fought to preserve Nigeria’s unity continue to be excluded.
AVM Adamu, in his opening remarks, reaffirmed his commitment to veterans’ welfare and restated his open-door policy, encouraging veterans nationwide to reach out directly to the Board for prompt attention to their pension-related concerns.
The historic forum, which allowed virtual participation by veterans nationwide for the first time, also addressed several other critical issues affecting retired military personnel.
Leadership of the Coalition of Concerned Veterans (CCV) briefed attendees on ongoing efforts to push for a review of the salary and pension structure for both serving and retired personnel. They called on the MPB to align with advocacy efforts aimed at achieving equitable and sustainable reforms.
During the interactive session, a veteran who joined the interactive session virtually from Port Harcourt suggested a legislative framework that would delay the stoppage of pensions for deceased pensioners by six to twelve months.
This, he said, would give grieving families some financial cushion and dignity during the immediate aftermath of loss.
AVM Adamu in his response welcomed the proposal concurring that only a law can authorize such a policy, aligning with the call for legislative intervention in that regard.
Health care challenges under the Defence Health Maintenance Limited (DHML), which manages the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) for military personnel, also came under scrutiny.
Veterans decried the lack of access to essential medications and tertiary-level care, stating that most of their treatment is funded out-of-pocket.
AVM Adamu acknowledged the concerns and advocated for a review of the Manual of Financial Administration for the Armed Forces (MAFA) and the Terms and Conditions of Service (TACOS) to expand coverage to include tertiary healthcare for both serving and retired members.
In a related development, the MPB Chairman confirmed that the Board has completed full payment of outstanding gratuities and Security Debarment Allowances (SDA) to over 2,000 members of the Nigerian Army Regular Intake 27/28, who had protested earlier in July at the Federal Ministry of Finance.
Veterans’ representatives at the parley showered encomiums on AVM Adamu, commending his reform-oriented leadership and commitment to open dialogue.
However, many emphasized that true healing and justice would only come when the 2,141 war veterans are fully recognized and granted the pension rights they have long been denied.
