…SAYS “NO RELEASE OF FUNDS”
The Chairman, Military Pensions Board (MPB), Air Vice Marshal Paul Irumheson has said that the delay in the payment of the new pension rates to military pensioners is due to the non-release of funds to the board, saying that it has nothing to do with the ongoing electronic verification exercise.
In a statement on Monday, 28th October and signed by the Chairman appealed to all 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.
MPB had began a three months nationwide electronic verification of all military pensioners on the 1st July, 2024 but extend it by one month to end on Thursday, 31st October, 2024.
However, AVM Irumheson while explaining and appealing for patience, appreciated the cooperation and understanding of pensioners as the board carries out its statutory functions.
While making some clarifications on the ongoing electronic verification exercise, explained that
the 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 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.
“With the advent the electronic verification system, pensioner can now carry out their verification from the comfort of our homes without the need to gather for any physical verification and the exercise has so far been successful.”
AVM Irumheson further appealed by allaying the fears of veterans that no single pensioner will be short-changed of their entitlements, including arrears as the Board is working closely with relevant authorities to get funds released for payment.
Adding that “in its transparent manner, is constantly briefing the 5-man Ministerial Standing Committee on every step taken so far.
Irumheson advised the veterans to regularly check with the committee for updates as the committee remains the bridge between the Veterans Community and the Board.
While appealing for a little more patience, noted that the board is making extra efforts to ensure that all outstanding entitlements are paid as soon as possible, noting that the welfare of veterans remains their utmost priority and will not rest on our oars.
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