Retired Nigerian Soldiers Protest Over Unpaid Allowances and Gratuities

Strategic Insights -

Scores of retired soldiers who voluntarily exited the Nigerian Army on Monday shut down the main entrance to the Ministry of Finance headquarters in Abuja, citing unpaid allowances and gratuities as the main reasons for their protest. According to Daily Trust, this is the third time in seven months that retired security personnel from both the police and army have staged protests in the nation's capital. The protesters, led by Staff Sergeant Simon Ipwu, are demanding the payment of their security debarment allowance, insurance, and gratuity, which they claim have been withheld by the Nigerian Army.

Key Takeaways:

  • The protest was led by Staff Sergeant Simon Ipwu, who cited unpaid security debarment allowance, insurance, and gratuity as the main reasons for the protest.
  • The protesters are demanding the payment of their four months' salaries, which were cut by the Nigerian Army after they voluntarily exited the service.
  • This is the third time in seven months that retired security personnel from both the police and army have staged protests in the nation's capital.
  • The protesters have been writing letters to various quarters, including the Army, Defence, Finance, DSS, police, and other offices, but have received no response.
  • The spokesperson of the Nigerian Army, Lieutenant Colonel Appolonia Anele, has not responded to repeated phone calls and a text message sent to her.

Statistics:

  • Three times in seven months, retired security personnel have staged protests in the nation's capital.
  • Four months' salaries of the protesters have been cut by the Nigerian Army.
  • Security debarment allowance and insurance of the protesters have not been paid.
  • Gratuity of the protesters has been withheld by the Nigerian Army.

Sources:

  • Daily Trust