Military board kicks off payment of minimum wage arrears

The Military Pension Board (MPB) has commenced the payment of the second tranche of the 25 per cent minimum wage arrears to eligible military retirees.

A statement by the Board’s Chairman, Rear Admiral S.A. Lawal said the payment is the second instalment to eligible military retirees who are active on the Board’s database.

He said the payment was in fulfilment of the agreement reached between the Board and the Federal Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning for quarterly releases of the appropriated sum in the first month of each quarter of this year

The statement reads: “The Military Pensions Board extends its compliments to our esteemed military retirees and wishes to inform them and the general public that the Board commenced payment of the second tranche of 25 percent of the arrears of minimum wage increments to eligible military retirees on May 6, 2022 and concluded the exercise on May 10, 2022.

“The payments were made to the various bank accounts of pensioners on the MPB payroll.

“Consequently, all eligible military pensioners are advised to contact their banks for their entitlements.

“This payment is the second instalment being paid to eligible military retirees who are active on the Board’s data base and it is in fulfilment of the agreement reached between the Board and the Federal Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning (FMoFBNP) for quarterly releases of the appropriated sum in the first month of each quarter of this year.

It is also necessary to inform that all Next of Kins (NOKs) of deceased military pensioners who are entitled to these same arrears have been paid in full.”

He added: “Furthermore, the Board would like to inform our esteemed retirees and the general public that the MPB is up to date in the payment of monthly pensions and gratuities to our military pensioners/retirees and has fully settled the death benefits of all confirmed NOKs of deceased military personnel/pensioners.

“These accomplishments are made possible through the immense support the Board has continually received from the Federal Government through the Federal Ministry of Defence and the FMoFBNP, which has ensured regular releases of funds to the Board.

“On behalf of our esteemed military pensioners, therefore, the Board wishes to thank President Muhammadu Buhari GCFR for his immense support to the Board and military retirees.

“Also, the Board extends its appreciation to the Minister of Defence, Maj Gen BS Magashi (Rtd), the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen LEO Irabor as well as the Service Chiefs for their constant support to the Board towards meeting its constitutional mandates.

“The MPB wishes to assure our esteemed military retirees/pensioners, NOKs of deceased military personnel and other well-meaning Nigerians that the Board remains resolute and will ensure complete payment of the 24 months Minimum Wage arrears before the end of the year, subject to release of funds by the FMoFBNP.

“While thanking you all for your patience, understanding and continued support, please accept my esteemed regards as always”. (The Nation)