By Charles Pemu 
A planned nationwide protest by retired military personnel has been averted as the Military Pensions Board (MPB) announced that payment of pension arrears for January and February 2025 will commence today, Friday, June 13, 2025, across the country.
Retired veterans had been mobilizing for the protest, citing severe economic hardship, non-payment of pensions, and outstanding entitlements, including the non-harmonization of the Security Department Allowance. The demonstration was set to target key government ministries and the National Assembly.
However, in a statement released on Wednesday by Squadron Leader Aliyu Mohammed on behalf of the MPB Chairman, the board confirmed the imminent release of funds. The statement, titled “Payment of 2025 January and February Arrears to Military Pensioners,” assured that all military pensioners on the MPB payroll would receive their arrears today. The board noted that the payment could not be processed yesterday due to a public holiday.
The MPB also advised pensioners yet to be verified to contact them through official numbers, including 09059106134 or 07076111832.
This announcement has brought immediate relief to thousands of retired soldiers who had expressed deep frustration over prolonged delays in receiving their entitlements, effectively suspending the planned nationwide agitation.