The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has appealed to discharged soldiers staging protests at the Federal Ministry of Finance to exercise restraint, as it clarified issues surrounding the calculation of their gratuity and Security Debarment Allowance (SDA).
Director, Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye and Director of Budget (DHQ) Air Vice Marshal Halim Adebowale on Thursday, during the bi-weekly media brieifng said that the ongoing agitation by some retired military personnel stems from misunderstanding the government’s policy on the recently implemented new minimum wage.
According to the DHQ, the Federal Government introduced a new minimum wage for all federal workers on July 29, 2024, leading to the introduction of two separate salary charts used for computing gratuity and SDA, that is, Pre-Minimum Wage Chart – Effective from January 1 to July 28, 2024 and Minimum Wage Chart – Effective from July 29, 2024, to date.
The military clarified that gratuity and SDA are calculated based on the salary chart in effect on the date of retirement, as is standard government policy.
“Unfortunately, some retired soldiers who left service between January 1 and July 28, 2024, before the implementation of the new minimum wage, want their gratuity and SDA to be recalculated using the new wage structure,” the statement read.
“This is not possible, as government policies, including minimum wage adjustments, have specified effective dates that must be strictly adhered to.”
The Defence Headquarters expressed concern over the continuous protests, including the erection of barricades at the Ministry of Finance, which it said have been disrupting smooth government operations.
While acknowledging the veterans’ right to peaceful protest, the DHQ urged them to vacate the premises and engage through proper channels.
“We strongly advise the protesting veterans to tread with caution and allow normal government functions to continue without hindrance,” the DHQ stated.
It further assured that the government remains committed to the welfare of retired military personnel while emphasizing that adherence to established policies is crucial for orderly administration.