Military pensions Board apologies delay in payment of new pension rates
By Abdullahi Alhassan, Kaduna
The Military Pensions Board (MPB) has apologized to the pensioners over delays in payment for the new pension rates as approved by the federal government.
Air Vice Marshal Paul Irumheson
A press statement signed and made available to newsmen by the Chairman of the Board, Air Vice Marshal Paul lrumheson appreciated the concerns of the pensioners, saying the Board would like to make some clarifications regarding the ongoing electronic verification exercise and the payment of the new pension rates approved by the Federal Government.
He statement added that “It is important to note that verification is a routine exercise aimed at authenticating the accurate strength of pensioners on the pension payroll to enable adequate budgeting and planning.
The Board, therefore, wishes to appeal to our esteemed pensioners to jettison the insinuation making the rounds linking the outcome of the ongoing electronic verification exercise to the payment of the new pension rates approved by the Federal Government.
He noted that the delay in the payment of the new pension rates is due to the non-release of funds and has nothing to do with the ongoing electronic verification exercise.
“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”.
AVM Paul lrumheson noted that “With the advent of the electronic verification system, pensioners can now carry out their verification from the comfort of their homes without the need to gather for any physical verification and the exercise has so far been successful.
“Additionally, the Board wishes to allay the fears of our esteemed veterans and assure them that no single pensioner will be short-changed of their entitlements, including arrears. The Board is working closely with relevant authorities to get funds released for payment and, in its transparent manner, is constantly briefing the 5-man Ministerial Standing Committee on every step taken so far.
“We therefore wish to encourage our esteemed pensioners to regularly check with the committee for updates as the committee remains the bridge between the Veterans Community and the Board.
“While appreciating the cooperation and understanding of our esteemed pensioners, we wish to appeal for a little more patience as we put in extra efforts to ensure that all outstanding entitlements are paid as soon as possible.The welfare of our esteemed veterans remains our utmost priority and we would not rest on our oars”.
