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Institutional Performance and Benefits Administration in the Military Pension Board

Ogidi, Timinere Samuel, Onya Reason, PhD, Anthony Egobueze, PhD

Abstract

This study examined Institutional Performance and Benefits Administration in the Military Pension Board with a focus on Nigerian Army ex-service personnel between 2013 and 2023. The study was motivated by growing concerns regarding pension administration, retirees’ welfare, and the capacity of public institutions to deliver timely and effective pension benefits to military veterans. The objectives were to identify the challenges confronting the Military Pension Board in the administration of pension benefits and to investigate the impact of military pension administration on the welfare of Army ex-service personnel. The study was anchored on Public Value Governance Theory, which emphasizes transparency, accountability, responsiveness, and value creation in public service delivery. A mixed-methods research design was adopted, combining quantitative and qualitative approaches. The population comprised approximately 12,000 Army ex-service personnel, from which a sample size of 387 respondents was determined using Taro Yamane’s formula. Data were collected through questionnaires, interviews, official records, and documentary sources. Quantitative data were analyzed using mean scores, standard deviation, and Pearson Product Moment Correlation, while qualitative data were subjected to content analysis. Findings revealed that outdated technology and political or administrative interference constitute major institutional challenges affecting effective pension administration. The study further established that pension administration significantly influences the welfare of retirees, particularly in meeting basic living expenses, reducing financial stress, and improving quality of life. Hypothesis testing showed a significant relationship between institutional challenges and effective pension administration (r = 0.357, p < 0.05) and a very strong positive relationship between pension administration and the welfare of ex-service personnel (r = 0.840, p < 0.05). The study concluded that strengthening institutional capacity, enhancing digital systems, and improving administrative transparency are essential for effective pension administration and sustainable welfare outcomes for Nigerian Army retirees. Therefore, it is recommended that an independent pension oversight body be established to monitor the operations of the Military Pension Board, ensure compliance with pension payment regulations, and address retirees’ complaints promptly and fairly.

Keywords

Military Pension Boardinstitutional performancepension administrationex- service personnelwelfarePublic Value GovernanceNigeria.

References

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