Preaident Tinubu orders immediate release of funds for payment of pension arrears to military veterans.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered the release of funds for the payment of pension arrears, salary increases, and other entitlements owed to retired military personnel, following two days of peaceful protests at the Federal Ministry of Finance by military veterans.

The development was announced on Friday by the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Muhammed Matawalle, who thanked the president for his timely intervention.

Speaking in the statement released by the Director of Press and Public Relations at the Ministry of Defence, Henshaw Ogubike, Matawalle confirmed that military personnel had received the payment alerts.

In a statement issued by the Director of Press and Public Relations at the Ministry of Defence, Mr. Henshaw Ogubike, the minister confirmed that payment alerts for the salary increases have already been received by military personnel.

The Minister praised President Tinubu for his unwavering commitment to the welfare of both active and retired military personnel, emphasizing that the administration remains focused on resolving outstanding pension arrears to enhance the living standards of those who have served the nation.

Matawalle also acknowledged the contributions of the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, for his dedication to ensuring the successful disbursement of the funds.

He urged the Nigerian military to remain steadfast in their duties, reassuring them of the President’s resolve to boost morale and provide necessary support to address insecurity across the country.

“Despite initial setbacks, be assured that Mr. President is committed to uplifting our military forces as they confront the challenges of insecurity,” he stated.

Highlighting the critical role of the Nigerian military in combating insurgency, terrorism, and other forms of criminality, Matawalle reaffirmed the government’s dedication to eradicating insecurity.

He concluded by assuring the Armed Forces of President Tinubu’s steadfast support and commitment to improving their readiness and resilience in securing the nation.

In another development, yhe Societal Safety Network, SSN, has appealed to President Tinubu to enforce compliance with retirement laws in the Nigeria Customs Service,NCS.

It said such action by the president was needed to strengthen leadership oversight as well as promote younger officers to ensure the continuity of his reforms.

Addressing the media, Thursday, in Abuja, the group’s director of public communications,
Asuku Sunday, expressed concern over what he termed as “the growing leadership crisis within the NCS, specifically regarding senior officers who are due for retirement but refuse to vacate their positions.

Warning that this situation could lead to a brewing scandal that would damage the reputation of the NCS and the nation, he tasked the Comptroller-General of Customs to make a public statement regarding the status of these officers.