The Defence Headquarters has reiterated its resolve to improve the welfare of retired military personnel, pledging sustained dialogue with veterans alongside efforts to enhance healthcare services, ensure timely pension payments and strengthen welfare packages.
It also described military veterans as key contributors to national development, stressing the importance of closer collaboration with retired personnel to foster national unity, strengthen security and provide mentorship for younger generations.
The assurance was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, after a one-day strategic retreat involving the Defence Headquarters and leaders of various military veterans’ associations in Abuja.
Addressing participants at the retreat, the Chief of Defence Staff, represented by the Chief of Defence Operations, Major General Jamal Abdussalam, reaffirmed the Armed Forces’ commitment to maintaining regular engagement with retired personnel.
“The Defence Headquarters under the leadership of the Chief of Defence Staff (DHQ)General Olufemi Oluyede, has convened a one-day strategic retreat with the leadership of various Military Veterans’ Associations at the Army Headquarters Command Mess 1, Asokoro, Abuja.
“The retreat, hosted in collaboration with the Retired Army, Navy and Air Force Officers’ Association of Nigeria (RANAO), provided a platform for dialogue, collaboration and renewed commitment to the welfare of retired personnel who dedicated their lives to the defence of Nigeria.
“In his remarks, the CDS, represented by the Chief of Defence Operations, Major General Jamal Abdussalam, reaffirmed the commitment of the Defence Headquarters to sustaining open dialogue with military veterans, stressing that engagement remains the most effective approach to resolving concerns affecting retired personnel.”
The statement added that Abdussalam said veterans’ welfare remains a priority for the Defence Headquarters under the leadership of the CDS, while assuring participants that work was ongoing to implement the recently approved salary increase and the corresponding pension adjustments through the appropriate statutory channels.
“He noted that under the leadership of the Chief of Defence Staff, veterans’ welfare remains one of the top priorities of Defence Headquarters and assured participants that efforts are ongoing to ensure the implementation of the recently approved salary increase and corresponding pension adjustments through the appropriate statutory processes.”
According to the statement, the CDS also praised President Bola Tinubu for placing the welfare of members of the Armed Forces high on the government’s agenda.
It said, “The CDS further commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his commitment to the welfare of members of the Armed Forces and urged veterans to remain patient and continue to uphold the values of discipline, loyalty and patriotism for which the Nigerian military is renowned.
“He assured them that the Defence Headquarters would continue to pursue improved healthcare, timely pension payments and better welfare packages for retired personnel.”
The military leadership further encouraged retired personnel to remain actively engaged in nation-building by sharing their experience with younger generations and supporting initiatives that promote peace, unity and national security.
The statement added, “The retreat underscored the importance of strengthening cooperation among veterans’ organisations while encouraging retired personnel to remain active partners in nation-building by mentoring younger generations and supporting initiatives that promote national unity and security.”
Over the years, military veterans have consistently demanded better pensions, improved healthcare and enhanced welfare benefits from successive administrations.
Retired personnel have also continued to press for the implementation of salary reviews and greater involvement in policies affecting former members of the Armed Forces.
The Defence Headquarters has maintained regular engagement with veterans’ groups as part of efforts to address these concerns and deepen cooperation between serving and retired military personnel.
