MPB, Military Veterans Seek Resolution of Pension Adjustment Disputes

By Zainab Uzomah| Abuja

The Military Pensions Board (MPB) and military veterans have agreed to pursue transparent engagement and clarification of pension computations following complaints over the recent consequential adjustment.

The Chairman of the MPB, Air Vice Marshal Mikail Abdulraheem, gave the assurance during an interactive session with veterans in Abuja on Tuesday, where he explained the legal framework and salary structure used in calculating retirees’ pension entitlements.

Abdulraheem said the board was committed to administering pensions in line with applicable laws and salary structures issued by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission.He explained that the commission provided a revised salary structure for pension and gratuity purposes following the salary review for serving military personnel, effective September 1, 2026.

According to him, the approved structure formed the basis for calculating pension entitlements across ranks and years of service, adding that the MPB did not independently determine salary rates but applied the approved figures in accordance with relevant pension regulations.The chairman said pension computation followed a graduated formula based on years of service, with entitlements increasing according to the prescribed rates to a maximum of 90 per cent of the applicable final emolument after 35 years of service.

He urged veterans to submit their pension calculations and supporting records to enable the board to investigate discrepancies between the amounts expected and those received.“We want everyone to see the applicable documents and understand the computation rather than rely on assumptions,” he said.

Abdulraheem disclosed that the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission had also been invited to clarify the revised salary structure and the basis for the figures used in calculating the pensions.He said individual complaints would be more effectively resolved through the examination of pension records and relevant documentation.

The chairman also called on veterans’ associations to adopt a coordinated approach in presenting their grievances, noting that an organised channel of communication would facilitate engagement and prevent the fragmentation of complaints.

In their response, representatives of the veterans called for greater transparency in implementing the consequential adjustment, alleging that some retirees received increases below the percentages announced for their respective rank categories.

They also raised concerns over discrepancies in arrears paid to warrant officers and master warrant officers, as well as pension benefits for medically boarded personnel. One of the representatives, retired Master Warrant Officer Duru Augustine, said the veterans wanted a clear explanation of how the revised salary structure translated into the actual amounts received by individual pensioners.

Augustine urged the board to examine the complaints under the applicable pension framework and provide detailed explanations of the computations.

Responding, Abdulraheem reiterated the board’s readiness to review the grievances against relevant records and regulations, stressing that accurate information was essential to resolving the disputes. He said the board aimed to ensure consistent application of pension rules and prevent errors or misunderstandings from undermining confidence in the pension administration system.

The meeting provided an opportunity for the MPB to explain its position and for veterans to present their concerns, although the disputed calculations remained unresolved at the end of the session.