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Customs approves $300 duty-free limit for small imports

Nurudeen AKEWUSHOLA
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Customs approves $300 duty-free limit for small imports

NIGERIANS shopping online or returning from trips abroad with small items may soon save money at the ports, as the Nigeria Customs Service Board (NCSB) has approved a De Minimis threshold of $300 for low-value imports.

The decision, reached at the board’s 63rd regular meeting chaired by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, will take effect from Monday, September 8, 2025.

Explaining the new policy, the board stated: “By definition, it is essential to note that the De Minimis threshold is the value below which imported goods are exempted from payment of customs duties and related taxes established by the national legislation.”

It added that the approved $300 limit “aligns with the best global practices that aim to simplify clearance processes for low-value consignments, enhance trade facilitation, and provide clarity for e-commerce stakeholders and travellers.”

The exemption, however, is restricted to four importations per annum per individual. Customs also warned that anyone who attempts to manipulate invoices or evade duty obligations will face penalties.

“Noncompliance penalties include forfeiture, arrest, and other sanctions stipulated in the NCS Act, 2023,” the board warned.

To help with implementation, the Service announced that it will set up “multi-channel helpdesk platforms” to provide guidance for travellers, online shoppers, and stakeholders.

On disciplinary matters, the board also reacted to viral videos showing misconduct by some officers. Two officers were demoted and ordered to undergo medical re-evaluation, while two others were reinstated after their cases were reviewed.

“The Board further issued a stern warning to all officers against the abuse of banned substances and other forms of unethical behaviour, stressing that such conduct will not be tolerated under any circumstances,” the statement read.

 

US visa policy now requires interviews in country of residence

Nanji Nandang VENLEY
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US visa policy now requires interviews in country of residence

THE United States Department of State has introduced a new policy for non-immigrant visa applicants, mandating that they book their interviews at the US Embassy or Consulate located in their country of nationality or residence.

The policy was published on September 6, 2025, on the State Department’s official visa portal, stating that it takes effect immediately.

“Applicants must be able to demonstrate residence in the country where they are applying, if the place of application is based on their residency,” the statement read.

The Department said that the revised policy specifically ends the long-standing practice of non-immigrant applicants traveling to neighboring countries to secure interview appointments.

The ICIR reports that Nigerian applicants frequently sought appointments at consulates in countries like Cameroon, Namibia, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Canada, or even the Dominican Republic to bypass delays when slots were unavailable in Abuja or Lagos.

The policy is expected to impact Nigerian applicants who already face a difficult process, particularly due to the long wait times in the country.

The Department stated that the new directive overrides all previous guidelines on designated visa processing locations.

“Nationals of countries where the U.S. government is not conducting routine nonimmigrant visa operations must apply at the designated embassy or consulate, unless their residence is elsewhere,” the statement read.

The designated locations include provisions for nationals from conflict-affected or diplomatically restricted countries such as Afghanistan (Islamabad), Belarus (Vilnius, Warsaw), Cuba (Georgetown), Iran (Dubai), Russia (Astana, Warsaw), Venezuela (Bogotá), and Yemen (Riyadh).

Applicants are also warned of other critical changes, like the appointment availability.

“Applicants applying outside their country of nationality or residence should expect to wait significantly longer for an appointment.

“Applicants who schedule nonimmigrant interviews at a US embassy or consulate outside of their country of nationality or residence might find that it will be more difficult to qualify for the visa. Fees paid for such applications will not be refunded and cannot be transferred,” it added.

However, the Department clarified that existing appointments “will generally not be cancelled” and stressed that the new policy does not apply to diplomatic, NATO, or UN-related visa categories.

It added that exceptions may still be granted for “humanitarian or medical emergencies or foreign policy reasons,” it said.

The Department advised applicants to visit the websites of their local embassies or consulates for information on requirements and wait times, noting that the broad policy shift is aimed at streamlining nonimmigrant visa processing while addressing global backlogs and security concerns.

The ICIR reported that the US Mission in August issued a directive that Nigerian visa applicants must submit a detailed list of their social media accounts on the DS-160 visa application form.

Nigeria, Ghana, others to witness lunar eclipse on Sunday

Nurudeen AKEWUSHOLA
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Nigeria, Ghana, others to witness lunar eclipse on Sunday

NIGERIA and several other countries across Africa will witness a lunar eclipse this Sunday, September 7, 2025.

According to scientists cited by NTA, the celestial event is expected to last about 83 minutes, beginning around 8:00 p.m. Nigerian time.

The eclipse will be visible across most of Africa, though some western regions may miss parts of the early penumbral or partial phases as the moon rises closer to or during totality.

Countries set to experience the phenomenon include, Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroon, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, Benin, Togo, Niger, Chad, and São Tomé and Príncipe.

Experts explained that a lunar eclipse occurs when the sun, earth, and moon align in space, with earth positioned in the middle, casting its shadow on the moon. Unlike solar eclipses, lunar eclipses are completely safe to watch with the naked eye.

This Sunday’s spectacle will give stargazers and skywatchers in Nigeria and beyond a rare opportunity to witness one of nature’s most striking astronomical events.

Clean energy transition: NEITI urges caution to protect Nigeria economy

Nurudeen AKEWUSHOLA
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Clean energy transition: NEITI urges caution to protect Nigeria economy

THE Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI), has cautioned that the nation’s shift to cleaner energy should not be approached without consideration to its local context.

The Executive Secretary of NEITI, Orji Ogbonnaya Orji, who made this remark during an exclusive interview with The ICIR stressed that the country must adapt the global energy transition within its own local context to avoid economic and social disruption.

He said the global movement towards renewable energy and net-zero emissions by 2060 was a reality Nigeria could not ignore.

However, he cautioned that the transition must take into account the nation’s dependence on oil and gas revenue, which currently sustains jobs, government budgets, and energy security.

“Energy transition is a very important development. For Nigeria, it’s a reality we cannot ignore. But we must approach it considering our national interest and sovereignty,” he said.

According to him, oil and gas revenues remain the backbone of the economy, with monthly allocations to states still dependent on crude oil earnings.

“Oil has sustained us, and it’s what governors gather every month to share. So if oil gives way to green energy, what happens to jobs, the budget, livelihoods tied to oil and gas?”

He noted that while developed countries were well ahead in renewable infrastructure, Nigeria lacked the institutional capacity and facilities to switch overnight.

“Developed countries are ready — they have Teslas, carbon-free cars, renewable infrastructure. Are we ready in Nigeria? No. Our infrastructure cannot support it immediately. Our institutions are not ready,” he stressed.

He noted that NEITI commissioned a study on the impact of energy transition on Nigeria’s economy with support from the Ford Foundation to guide policy.

Orji disclosed that the interim report is currently under review, after which a comprehensive policy brief will be released to provide government with data-driven recommendations.

“We want an empirical basis for engaging government on a national policy. When the study is concluded, we will prepare a policy brief so that government will have facts and figures to guide decisions. Because as we transition, we must ensure our reserves, jobs, and livelihoods are not jeopardised,” he explained.

Although Nigeria has developed a national energy transition plan with a net-zero emissions target of 2060, Orji described implementation as slow and symbolic.

“Government has developed a national energy transition plan with a net-zero target of 2060. But the road to 2060 has not fully started. The vehicle has not moved — maybe it’s still loading,” he remarked.

The NEITI helmsman emphasised that while Nigeria must embrace global best practices in sustainability, it cannot afford to copy developed nations without adaptation.

“Is it a concept we can ignore? No. It is global, and it concerns us. But we must approach it within our local context. That’s why NEITI is interfacing with all relevant agencies and companies in Nigeria,” he said.

He added that energy transition should be anchored on Nigeria’s peculiar needs — expanding investment in ICT, agriculture, and entertainment while managing oil revenue prudently to cushion the eventual decline of fossil fuel demand.

“What matters now is balance. As the world shifts, Nigeria must prepare carefully, so we don’t sacrifice jobs, revenue, and energy security on the altar of transition,” Orji said.

SERAP sues RMAFC over planned salary increase for political office holders

Nanji Nandang VENLEY
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SERAP sues RMAFC over planned salary increase for political office holders

THE Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has taken legal action against the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) over its proposal to raise the salaries of political and public office holders, including the President, Vice President, Governors, their deputies, and members of the national assembly.

The ICIR reported in August that RMAFC Chairman, Mohammed Shehu, disclosed the commission’s proposal to increase, claiming that the salaries for these office holders are “paltry.”

Shehu stated that President Bola Tinubu currently earns N1.5 million monthly, a figure he described as laughable for a nation of over 200 million people, adding that the amount has remained unchanged since 2008.

In a statement issued on Sunday, September 7, SERAP’s Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, confirmed that RMAFC had been taken to court, though a hearing date is yet to be set.

He explained that in suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/1834/2025, filed last week at the Federal High Court in Abuja, SERAP is asking the court to decide whether RMAFC’s proposed salary increase for the president, vice president, governors, their deputies, and lawmakers is not unlawful, unconstitutional, and inconsistent with the rule of law.

He said that SERAP is urging the court to declare that the proposed salary hike for politicians as unlawful, unconstitutional, and contrary to the rule of law, as it breaches the provisions of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution (as amended) and the RMAFC Act.

“An order of injunction restraining RMAFC, its agents and privies from taking any step to review upward the salaries of the president, vice-president, governors and their deputies, and lawmakers in Nigeria.

“An order directing RMAFC, its agents to review downward the salaries and allowances of the president, vice-president, governors and their deputies, and lawmakers in Nigeria to reflect the economic realities in the country,” Oluwadare added.

In the suit, SERAP contended that preventing the commission from arbitrarily raising the salaries of these persons would protect legitimate public interest.

“Reviewing downward the salaries of the president, vice-president, governors, their deputies, and lawmakers would be entirely consistent and compatible with the Nigerian Constitution, the country’s international human rights obligations, and the current economic realities in the country.

“The imminent pay rise for political office holders is a gross violation of the provisions of chapter 2 of the Nigerian Constitution relating to fundamental objectives and directive principles of state policy, and the country’s international human rights obligations.

“The combined provisions of chapter 2, and chapter 4 on fundamental rights particularly section 42 give meaning and substance to the socio-economic rights of Nigerians and their right to equality and non-discrimination,” Oluwadare added.

The ICIR reported that prominent Nigerians, including human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, criticised the proposed salary hike for political office holders, calling it grossly insensitive in light of Nigeria’s prevailing economic hardship.

Falana, a senior advocate, took a swipe at RMAFC accusing it of misplaced priorities and neglecting the daily hardships faced by millions of Nigerians.

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) was among the first group of Nigerians to oppose the plan.

The NLC cited growing inequality, and the hidden perks politicians enjoy as reason why such plan should be dropped. It said workers earned only N70,000 as minimum wage monthly, which did not reflect the hardship faced in the country.

Similarly, former presidential candidate and Labour Party leader, Peter Obi, criticised the proposal describing it as a “shameless grab for more” at the expense of Nigeria’s struggling majority.

Sowore defiant as SSS demands suspension of X account over anti-Tinubu post

Nurudeen AKEWUSHOLA
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Sowore defiant as SSS demands suspension of X account over anti-Tinubu post

THE State Security Service (SSS) has petitioned X Corp, seeking the urgent suspension of the verified handle of rights activist and publisher, Omoyele Sowore, over a post it described as “misleading, offensive, and a threat to national security.”                 

But the rights activist has vowed not to remove the controversial post.

In a letter dated September 6, 2025, and addressed to the Chairman and CEO of X Corp in Bastrop County, Texas, the SSS alleged that Sowore, through his verified handle @YeleSowore, published a post disparaging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in a manner capable of inciting unrest.

The agency pointed to a post made on August 25, 2025, at 11:38 pm WAT, where Sowore wrote:

“This criminal @officialABAT actually went to Brazil to state that there is NO MORE corruption under his regime in Nigeria. What audacity to lie shamelessly!”

According to the SSS, the statement—directed at the president’s official handle, @officialABAT—has “attracted widespread condemnation,” with some presidential supporters allegedly taking to the streets in protest. The agency warned that the post was capable of creating political tension and threatening Nigeria’s national security.

The SSS further stated that Sowore’s comment contravenes multiple Nigerian laws, including Section 51 of the Criminal Code Act, Sections 19, 22, and 24 of the Cybercrimes Act 2025, and Section 2(3) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

“It is not in doubt that the words employed by Omoyele Sowore is misleading information, online harassment and abuse, willful intention of furthering an ideology capable of serious harm, hate speech, and disunity. It has the potential to damage the image of Nigeria and cause serious threat to national security,” the SSS said.

The agency therefore demanded that X  immediately ban or deactivate Sowore’s account, warning that both the author and the platform could be held criminally liable under Nigerian law.

But Sowore, reacting on Sunday morning, confirmed that X Corp had officially contacted him about the DSS request and vowed not to comply.

“This morning, X (formerly Twitter) officially contacted me about the despicable threat letter they received from the lawless DSS over my Tweet on Tinubu. One option I will NOT be taking is deleting that Tweet. Thank you, @X,” he wrote.

In its notice to Sowore, X Corp said while it had received the legal complaint, it had not taken any action on the reported content.

“As X strongly believes in defending and respecting the voice of our users, it is our policy to notify our users if we receive a legal request from an authorised entity (such as law enforcement or a government agency) to remove content from their account. We provide notice whether or not the user lives in the country where the request originated,” the company said in the email.

X further advised Sowore to seek legal counsel if necessary and directed him to its transparency portal, where government takedown requests are documented globally.

Obi suspends public activities to embark on medical rest

Nanji Nandang VENLEY
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Obi suspends public activities to embark on medical rest

FORMER Anambra State governor and the Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, Peter Obi, has announced that he will be taking a short medical break, resulting in the suspension of his planned engagements both in Nigeria and abroad this weekend.

In a statement posted on his X handle on Saturday September 6, Obi revealed that he took ill while participating in a tourism event in Enugu on Friday.

“Earlier in Enugu, I was not feeling well. I visited the hospital where the doctor gave me some medication and advised me to take a day or two days rest.

“In obedience to the doctor’s advice, I will not be able to meet up with all my scheduled engagements this weekend.

“I sincerely apologise for any inconveniences this might cause and humbly plead for understanding,” he wrote.

The former governor explained that after his event in Enugu, he visited the Good Hope Specialist Hospital in Isulo, Orumba South LGA, Anambra State, and afterwards he proceeded to Owerri.

“I proceeded to Owerri to honour an invitation from Barrister Nnaemeka Maduagwu for a dinner held in honour of his former boss, former Governor of Kaduna state, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai,” he said.

The ICIR reported that the former presidential candidate donated N10 million towards its acquisition and revitalisation by the Aguata Diocese of the Church of Nigeria in Isulo, Anambra State during his visit and commended the diocese’s plans to transform the facility into a full-scale health complex with a School of Nursing, Midwifery, and Health Technology.

“Healthcare remains one of the most meaningful investments we can make. Together, we can build a healthier Nigeria,” he stated.

We expelled Jibrin over anti-party, unpaid dues-Kano NNPP

Nurudeen AKEWUSHOLA
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We expelled Jibrin over anti-party, unpaid dues-Kano NNPP

THE New Nigeria People’s Party, Kano State chapter, has expelled the member representing Kiru/Bebeji Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Abdulmumin Jibrin Kofa, over alleged anti-party activities and failure to remit his financial obligations.

According to Daily Trust, the state chairman of the party, Hashim Sulaiman Dungurawa, disclosed this while briefing journalists in Kano on Saturday.

He said Jibrin’s expulsion followed his persistent media attacks on the party and its leadership.

Dungurawa’s announcement came barely 24 hours after Jibrin hinted at the possibility of leaving the NNPP, declaring that he was old enough to take independent political decisions.

Reacting, Dungurawa described the lawmaker as a “weak politician” who only secured electoral victory through the Kwankwasiyya movement and NNPP platform.

“If he was politically strong, he would have won his election under the APC, but he failed. It was when he joined NNPP through Kwankwasiyya that he became a Reps member. Now he is deceiving himself, thinking he is strong,” he said.

The chairman explained that a reconciliation committee had earlier been set up to engage Jibrin after his controversial interview with Channels Television but noted that his subsequent media outings proved he had crossed the line.

“Instead of embracing dialogue, he went further to work against our interest, openly declaring loyalty outside the party. That is why we expelled him. He has no value to add,” Dungurawa added.

He also accused the lawmaker of defaulting in the payment of mandatory dues, vowing that the party would seek legal action to recover the funds.

“We will drag him to court to recover what he owes the party. It is a constitutional requirement for every member to pay dues, but he has consistently failed to do so,” he said.

On speculations that Jibrin may return to the APC, the NNPP chairman maintained that such a move would not affect the strength of the party, stressing that the Kwankwasiyya movement remained firmly behind its leader, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.

Jibrin had earlier said he might leave the NNPP.

The lawmaker, who visited President Bola Tinubu on August 11 — his second meeting with the president in just two weeks — said his political decisions remain personal and independent.

“Anything can happen, I can leave NNPP and I can stay, and I can also return back to APC, PDP, ADC, PRP or anywhere I want,” Jibrin had earlier stated.

Name change debate: Temi Otedola sets social media abuzz, drops dad’s name after wedding

Nanji Nandang VENLEY
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Name change debate: Temi Otedola sets social media abuzz, drops dad’s name after wedding

TEMI Otedola, actress and daughter of billionaire Femi Otedola, has stirred social media reactions after updating her surname to “Ajibade” across all social media. She has now adopted the last name of her husband, Nigerian singer Mr. Eazi, whose real name is Oluwatosin Ajibade as her display name. 

The ICIR reports that Temi updated her Instagram and X handles after she and her husband marked their union in a lavish wedding in Iceland on August 9 2025, with global sophistication.

However, it is not clear whether she has officially updated her name on her legal documents. She also did not change her username/handles.

The couple had earlier hosted two other wedding ceremonies, one in Monaco on May 9, which coincided with Mr. Eazi’s late mother’s birthday, and a Yoruba traditional wedding at the Otedola family home in Dubai in July.

A feminist commentator Rachelle (@omo_kosoko) sparked waves on name change after wedding on X in August. 

“To every girl who is considering getting married, you can absolutely keep your name after marriage, and I think you should. Four years married now, I have relocated, had a baby, held a joint account, travelled solo with my child and not one issue. Don’t let anyone lie to you,” she said.

Her statement drew reactions, with some challenging the sentiment, asking whether if she were married into the family of a Dangote, Adenuga, Otedola, Adeleke, or so, would you prefer to still keep your father’s name as surname, and others sharing different opinions.

However, Temi’s recent public adoption of her husband’s surname on social has, reignited a long-standing debate over whether women should take their husband’s name or retain their maiden name.

A user on X, Mohh sultan says “Feminists are in tears” under the post.

Another user, Dice asked “Just like that name changed from Otedola to Ajibade…. God is great, if you could send a copy of your book to me sir ?” 

Davebanks asked  “@grok was she right to adopt his surname ?”

Virgin Boy on X asked in pidgin English: “She no go drop am before ? Or were you expecting Eazi to drop his name for her?.”

The leaf Guy hilighted that, “She hasn’t changed her username to Ajibade sha, it should be @TemiAjibade instead of @TemiOtedola.”

Bobby says “Double standards are such a cliché. We’re celebrating the norms as if it wasn’t expected of her.”

Echoes of Nigeria says “She is not supposed to change her name, what is the big deal about that?”

However, Betty argued that, “Like it’s a big deal… Legally/spiritually, nothing says it’s a must for a woman to drop her surname after marriage. It’s all a personal decision and  shouldn’t be forced on anyone. Congratulations to the couple”

African Echoes says “It’s a European import via colonialism and Christianity, not an indigenous Nigerian (or African) tradition. Traditionally, African women kept their family names and identities, even in marriage.” 

Reacting to Otedola’s  post of  a photo congratulating the couple, captioned: “Congratulations to Mr and Mrs Ajibade,” a user on X Esen replied “Billionaire has endorsed the name change, y’all are there crying.”

A video of a heartfelt moment at the wedding, surfaced on social media early Saturday, showing Temi’s billionaire father, Femi Otedola, sharing words of advice with his daughter, urging her to prioritise her marriage above all else.

“You found a great guy, very great, blessed guy. He’s come from a very decent family. One thing I’ll advise you… you have to succumb to the whims and caprices of your husband. Okay? He’s your husband, he’s your boss. There’s no more dad, don’t call me up.

“One thing I like about both of you and I’ve observed is, you’re in love with each other. Truly, truly in love with each other. Temi is an entrepreneur. Tosin is an entrepreneur. So you match each other.

“You have to succumb to your husband; he’s your boss. Temi, I wish you all the best in your future endeavours. You found a great guy from a very decent family,” he said.

Update: The report was updated to reflect that display name is what she changed and not  username/handle. 

‘We are no longer in uniforms’: Retired soldiers defy DHQ order to end protest

Nanji Nandang VENLEY
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0
‘We are no longer in uniforms’: Retired soldiers defy DHQ order to end protest

RETIRED soldiers protesting over unpaid entitlements have vowed to continue their protest at the Ministry of Finance in Abuja, defying a directive from the Defence Headquarters to leave the premises.

Speaking on behalf of the protesters, Emmanuel Momodu who is retired condemned the directive as unlawful, emphasising that as civilians, they are no longer bound by military law and therefore have the constitutional right to stage peaceful demonstrations.

“When you are in uniform, you are bound by both military and civil law. Once discharged, you are only under civil law. It is our right to protest,” Momodu said.

The ICIR reports that a good number of retired soldiers who voluntarily left the Nigerian Army in 2024 returned to the streets following August protest over unpaid benefits.

The ex-servicemen, who have held several protests in recent months, alleged that military authorities diverted funds allocated for their allowances and gratuities.

Their demands include parking allowance, advance payments, and four months of unpaid security deployment allowances, remain outstanding.

Momodu in his recent remarks accused government officials of stalling efforts to resolve the matter, alleging that for decades soldiers have been shortchanged in payment processes, with senior officers diverting funds.

“They know, and we know, that the money has been siphoned. To refund it is the problem. We are not asking for what is not due to us. We only demand our rightful benefits. If they feel embarrassed, then they should come out and address us rather than use threats or force.

“For over four decades, the system has been the same. The Army presents a chart to the Finance Ministry, receives the full allocation, then pays soldiers whatever they choose. Many retired soldiers don’t even realise how much has been deducted from them over the years,” Momodu said.

While recounting losing a kidney during his deployment in Borno State, the ex-soldier noted that beyond financial hardship, many ex-soldiers are battling health conditions sustained during service and can no longer afford medical care.

“People don’t deserve this kind of treatment after giving their lives to the nation. Officers get flown abroad for treatment when injured, but ordinary soldiers are left behind to struggle. Is human life not equal?” he queried.

Also speaking to reporters during the demonstration at the Ministry of Finance yesterday, the leader of the protesters, who identified herself simply as Mama Gee, said: “We are again here because the promises made to us were never fulfilled.”

“This is the third time we are coming to the protest ground because the first time we came, they promised us and did not fulfil the promise. Second time too, they did not keep to their promises too.

“This time, we don’t want promise. We want to see (bank) alerts. We have served this country with all our hearts and all our minds. Twenty years is not 20 days. My youthful age, I used it in the army. What do I want to use N3.7 million to do? And these are ex-soldiers, people that fought the war and went to Maiduguri, they don’t know anything apart from weapons. Do they want them to go and join bandits?” 

Another retired soldier, Uche Igweze, lamented that the DHQ had ignored the legitimate demands of the retirees and instead resorted to using power to intimidate them.

“We feel bad because it seems like they are using power to oppress us, and that is very wrong. The benefits they owe us, benefits they are well aware of, have not been paid. These are our rights. They should allow an independent body to look into our demands and verify whether what we are saying is true or not.

“Four months’ salary arrears have not been paid. Parking allowances have also not been settled, yet they are sending people out of the barracks. Is it a crime to serve in the Nigerian Army?,” Igweze asked.

Similarly, Obinna Onyami said:  “They told us relocation allowance is N77,000. How can that take a family from Lagos to the East? The chart we know says a sergeant is entitled to over N400,000.”

The ICIR reports that the Defence Headquarters manages the Security Debarment Allowance, which is paid to ex-servicemen to discourage them from using their military training against the state, while the Military Pension Board is responsible for handling the gratuities of retired personnel from the Army, Navy, and Air Force.

However, the Defence Headquarters ordered the retired soldiers protesting at the Federal Ministry of Finance Headquarters to vacate the premises, warning that their continued action was disrupting government activities.

The Director of Defence Media Operations, Major-General Markus Kanye, told journalists that the agitation arose from the introduction of two separate salary structures for military personnel in 2024 after the implementation of the new minimum wage.

“A pre-minimum wage chart was in effect between January 1 and July 28, 2024, while the “minimum wage chart” took effect from July 29, 2024, and remains applicable.

“While the Defence Headquarters acknowledges the right to legitimate protest, the veterans are strongly advised to tread with caution and vacate the premises of the Federal Ministry of Finance to allow government functions to continue seamlessly.

“This is the message we have been directed to pass on, so that through your medium, our veterans and the Nigerian public can be properly informed.

“Let me reaffirm that the Armed Forces of Nigeria remain fully committed to their constitutional mandate of defending the territorial integrity of our great nation, supporting civil authorities in maintaining internal security, and ensuring peace and stability across all regions,” Kangye said.

Kangye explained that gratuity and security debarment allowance for retired personnel are determined using the salary chart that was in effect at the time of their retirement.

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