The Military Pensions Board (MPB) has announced new measures to accelerate pension payments and enhance transparency for retired military personnel and their families, following persistent complaints over delays and weak inter-agency coordination.
The assurance was given on Saturday in Abuja during a courtesy visit to the Minister of Defence, retired Gen. Christopher Musa, by the Chairman of the Board, Air Vice Marshal (AVM) Mikail Abdulraheem.
Speaking during the visit, AVM Abdulraheem said the reforms are designed to eliminate bureaucratic bottlenecks, harmonisepolicies, and ensure that military retirees and their next-of-kin receive their entitlements promptly. He noted that the initiative is critical not only to welfare delivery but also to restoring trust, dignity, and morale within the Armed Forces.
In a statement issued by the Board’s Public Relations Officer, Squadron Leader Aliyu Mohammed, the visit was described as part of a renewed effort to strengthen cooperation between the Military Pensions Board and the Ministry of Defence.
According to Mohammed, AVM Abdulraheem explained that the engagement was aimed at “removing bottlenecks, improving coordination, and increasing the speed and accuracy of pension payments to retired military personnel and their next-of-kin.”
The MPB Chairman stressed that pension administration transcends routine welfare concerns. “Efficient pension administration is not only a welfare issue, but also a matter of honour, trust, and morale within the Armed Forces,” he said.
He added that the Board has already commenced reforms to modernise pension processes, strengthen accountability, and deliver improved services to all categories of retirees. He further noted that closer collaboration with the Ministry of Defence and other relevant stakeholders would help address long-standing challenges in pension management.
“Our focus is clear: timely, transparent, and efficient pension services that uphold the dignity of retired officers and soldiers who served the nation with distinction,” AVM Abdulraheem said.
He assured pensioners that they would begin to experience the positive impact of the reforms through faster and more reliable access to their benefits.
Responding, the Minister of Defence, Gen. Musa, described pension administration as a critical component of military welfare and institutional credibility. He said the manner in which a country treats its retirees reflects its core values.
Gen. Musa assured the Board of the Ministry’s full support, adding that the Federal Government remains committed to safeguarding the welfare and dignity of both serving and retired members of the Armed Forces. He emphasised that continuous reforms are essential to sustaining confidence in the pension system.
Officials said the visit underscores a renewed determination by defence authorities to deliver faster, more transparent pension services and to rebuild confidence among military retirees.
