The Military Pensions Board has addressed the concerns raised by military pensioners over the delay in payments of the newly adjusted pension rates. According to the board, the delay is due to a lack of funds and is not connected to the current electronic verification exercise. The board released a statement on Monday, signed by Air Vice Marshal (AVM) Irumheson, to clarify the situation and ease the worries of veterans.
The board emphasized that military pensioners should disregard any suggestions linking the delay in pension payments to the ongoing electronic verification process. This electronic verification, which started on July 1, 2024, is being conducted to accurately identify and confirm pensioners on the payroll, thus supporting effective budgeting and resource allocation. Originally scheduled to last three months, the verification exercise was extended by an additional month to October 31, 2024, to ensure no eligible veteran is left out.
Addressing veterans directly, AVM Irumheson expressed appreciation for the patience and cooperation demonstrated by the pensioners so far. He further clarified that transitioning from physical verification to an electronic system was a well-thought-out decision.
This shift is meant to reduce the physical and financial burdens on pensioners, especially those residing abroad or in remote areas. The new digital approach eliminates the need for pensioners to travel long distances, ensuring that they can complete the verification process safely from their homes.
He said, “The Board decided to move from physical to electronic verification to make life easier for its pensioners, particularly due to the security risks associated with travelling by road, the high cost of transportation, and the financial burden of travelling down to Nigeria for pensioners residing abroad, among others.
“With the advent of the electronic verification system, pensioners can now carry out their verification from the comfort of our homes without the need to gather for any physical verification and the exercise has so far been successful.”
He added, “In its transparent manner, is constantly briefing the 5-man Ministerial Standing Committee on every step taken so far and advised the veterans to regularly check with the committee for updates as the committee remains the bridge between the Veterans Community and the Board.
