Arewa group backs Military Pension reforms under Tinubu
…vows to resist smear campaign against MPB boss The Northern Security Advocacy Group (NSAG) has expressed strong support for ongoing reforms in the administration of military pensions and gratuities under
...vows to resist smear campaign against MPB boss
The Northern Security Advocacy Group (NSAG) has expressed strong support for ongoing reforms in the administration of military pensions and gratuities under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
The group said the Military Pension Board (MPB), led by Chairman Air Vice Marshal Mikail Abdulraheem, has introduced reforms—such as faster and more transparent payment processes—that have directly improved the welfare of retired military personnel.
Addressing a news conference in Abuja on Wednesday, NSAG spokesperson Jonathan Onoja said retired military personnel have not experienced conditions as favourable as those under the current administration.
Onoja, however, raised an alarm over a coordinated and sponsored campaign against the Chairman of MPB.
He alleged that the campaign was driven by retired senior military officers and aimed to distract attention from ongoing reforms to the pension system.
NSAG spokesperson said the forum was convened to condemn what he described as a sustained attempt to discredit the leadership of the MPB.
He said Abdulraheem had, since assuming office, introduced reforms, including faster and more transparent payment of pensions and gratuities, which had directly improved the welfare of retired military personnel.
According to him, the introduction of a digital verification system has strengthened accountability by eliminating fraudulent claims and ensuring that only verified veterans are captured in the payment structure.
Onoja added that the reforms have also reduced administrative bottlenecks, making it easier for elderly veterans to access their entitlements without unnecessary delays.
On the appointment of a new board chairman, he said the presidency had been misled by vested interests, adding that the act establishing the board clearly stipulated that only a serving military officer could be appointed as Chairman of the Military Pensions Board.
Onoja cautioned individuals and groups against spreading falsehood and unverified reports that could misrepresent institutional processes.
READ ALSO: I’d rather be single than settle for bare minimum – Diiadem
The Deputy Speaker of the group, Dr. Steve Okwori, reinforced the position, describing the reforms as commendable and impactful.
Okwori noted that the pension system now reflects greater transparency and efficiency, stressing that the introduction of digital verification has helped eliminate “ghost beneficiaries” and improved data integrity within the system.
He further explained that the reduction in bureaucratic processes had eased the burden on aged retirees, many of whom previously experienced delays in accessing their benefits.
“These veterans gave their all to the nation, and it is only right that they benefit from the sacrifices they made,” he said.
The group passed a vote of confidence in Abdulraheem's leadership, urging stakeholders, security agencies, and the media to disregard what it described as sponsored narratives aimed at undermining reforms.
“The board under the current leadership is working effectively and should be allowed to continue its reform agenda in the interest of veterans nationwide,” the group said.
