A meeting on Friday between the [Military Pension Board](https://www.mpb.gov.ng) (MPB) and representatives of retired Nigerian armed forces officers concluded without an agreement, with veterans insisting that their newly approved monthly pensions be re‑calculated after alleging mis‑computation by the board.
**What did the veterans demand?**
The protesters, led by retired Lieutenant‑Colonel Innocent Azubuike, blocked the main entrance of the MPB headquarters in the Dutse‑Alhaji/Kubwa area of Abuja from 8:30 a.m. They argued that the board’s formula reduced the percentages approved by President [Bola Tinubu](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bola_Ahmed_Tinubu) for consequential adjustments, and they called for a forensic audit to determine how the released funds were actually used.
**How were the new pension rates approved?**
The adjustments stem from a salary scale approved by President Tinubu for serving military personnel, effective September 2026. The scale provides an 80 % increase for ranks from Private to Staff Sergeant, 50 % for Warrant Officers to Colonels, and 30 % for Brigadier Generals and higher. Retired officers contend that the board should apply these percentages directly to the pension each retiree was already receiving.
**What explanation did the board give?**
Board chair Air Vice Marshal Mikail Abdulraheem told journalists that the meeting was an opportunity to clarify the implementation process. Spokesperson Squadron Leader Aliyu Mohammed said the board had explained its computation method and welcomed continued dialogue, emphasizing that the discussions reinforced the need for mutual understanding and use of established communication channels.
**How does the MPB compute the pension?**
According to the board’s formula, a retiree’s pension is first calculated as 90 % of the last salary, then the approved adjustment percentage is applied, and finally 90 % of that amount is added to the original pension. For example, a Private retiring in 2025 with a last salary of N100,000 would receive N90,000 (90 %). An 80 % adjustment would give N72,000, of which 90 % (N64,800) is added to the original pension, resulting in N154,800. Retirees argue that the same rank and service length should yield identical pensions, not the disparity shown by the board’s method.
**What did the board chair say after the meeting?**
Abdulraheem asserted that the legal framework and salary structure used for pension calculations are transparent and based on the revised salary structure issued by the [National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission](https://www.nsiwc.gov.ng). He urged veterans to submit their individual calculations and supporting documents so the board can compare expected and actual amounts. The chair also called for coordinated engagement through recognised channels to avoid fragmented complaints.
**What is the broader context?**
The dispute follows earlier protests in August when retirees shut down the Federal Ministry of Defence headquarters and, later, the Ministry of Finance, demanding inclusion in the consequential adjustments that were granted to serving personnel. Those protests saw armed police and soldiers intervene, with threats of force before a truce was brokered.
**What are the next steps?**
Veterans have warned they may resume protests if their demands are not met, while the MPB maintains that it is applying the approved salary structure. Both sides have expressed a willingness to continue dialogue, but the stalemate persists as retirees await a revised computation that aligns with the presidentially approved percentages.