The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, has reaffirmed the commitment of the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) to improving the welfare, dignity and continued relevance of Nigeria’s military veterans.
General Oluyede gave the assurance when the National President of the Retired Army, Navy and Air Force Officers Association, Major General Hussaini Abayomi Salihu (Rtd), led a delegation of retired service officers on a courtesy visit to the Defence Headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday.
The visit provided an opportunity for the leadership of the association to formally engage the CDS, who is also the Chief Patron of the association, and to strengthen relations between the DHQ and the community of retired military officers.
Speaking during the visit, Major General Salihu said the delegation was at the Defence Headquarters to familiarise itself with the CDS following the assumption of office of the association’s new executive members and to foster closer engagement with the military high command.
He commended General Oluyede for his deliberate and sustained engagement with veterans across the six geopolitical zones of the country.
The National President also appreciated the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for efforts aimed at improving the welfare of members of the Armed Forces, particularly the increase in salaries of serving personnel and the consequential adjustments for retired personnel.
Major General Salihu further presented several requests aimed at strengthening the welfare and socio-economic relevance of retired military personnel, including the establishment of a comprehensive database of members of the association.
He explained that such a database would facilitate access to qualified and experienced retired officers whenever companies and organisations require their expertise and services.
Responding, the CDS thanked members of the association for their years of service and sacrifices to the nation, stressing that their contributions to Nigeria’s security and development remain deeply appreciated.
General Oluyede expressed his determination to effectively discharge his responsibilities as Chief Patron of the association and assured the veterans of his commitment to working with them to address issues affecting their welfare within existing policy and institutional frameworks.
Addressing concerns over salary increments and their implications for veterans, the CDS said the ongoing exercise is comprehensive and inclusive, noting that implementation is already underway.
He reaffirmed that, in line with existing government policies, adjustments to the emoluments of serving personnel have consequential implications for the pensions and benefits of veterans.
The CDS also highlighted several initiatives being undertaken by the Defence Headquarters to improve the quality of life of veterans and their families, including an ongoing collaboration with the Bank of Industry to facilitate access to low-interest loans for business enterprises.
According to him, the initiative is designed to support serving and retired military personnel, as well as their families, in establishing and expanding sustainable businesses.
He said the programme forms part of broader efforts by the Defence Headquarters to promote economic empowerment, self-reliance and improved welfare among military personnel and veterans.
General Oluyede assured the delegation that the DHQ would continue to explore practical measures and partnerships capable of improving the welfare of veterans, recognising that those who served the nation deserve sustained institutional support and dignity in retirement.
