The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, has reaffirmed the commitment of the Defence Headquarters to improving the welfare, dignity and continued relevance of retired military personnel across the country.
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 on a courtesy visit to him at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja.
The meeting provided an opportunity for the leadership of the association to engage the CDS, who is also the Chief Patron of the body, and strengthen the relationship between the Defence Headquarters and retired service officers.
Speaking during the visit, Salihu said the delegation was at the Defence Headquarters to familiarise itself with the CDS following the assumption of office by the association’s new executive committee and to deepen engagement with the military high command.
He commended Oluyede for what he described as sustained engagement with veterans across the country’s six geopolitical zones and thanked him for the reception accorded the delegation.
The retired officers’ association also expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, for efforts aimed at improving the welfare of military personnel, including salary increases for serving personnel and consequential adjustments for retired officers.
Salihu 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.
According to him, such a database would make it easier for companies and organisations to identify and engage qualified and experienced retired military officers when their expertise and services are required.
Responding, General Oluyede thanked the retired officers for their years of service and sacrifice to the nation, stressing that their contributions to Nigeria’s security and development remained deeply valued.
He pledged to discharge his responsibilities as Chief Patron of the association and assured the veterans of his readiness to work with them in addressing welfare-related issues within existing government policies and institutional frameworks.
On concerns over salary increments and their implications for retired personnel, the CDS said the ongoing implementation process was comprehensive and inclusive.
He explained that the exercise was already underway and noted that, in line with existing government policies, adjustments to the emoluments of serving military personnel have consequential implications for the pensions and benefits of veterans.
Oluyede also highlighted ongoing initiatives by the Defence Headquarters to improve the quality of life of veterans and their families.
He disclosed that the DHQ was collaborating with the Bank of Industry to facilitate access to low-interest loans for business ventures by serving and retired military personnel and their families.
The initiative, he said, is designed to promote economic empowerment, self-reliance and sustainable livelihoods among members of the military community.
The CDS assured the delegation that the Defence Headquarters would continue to explore practical measures and partnerships capable of improving the welfare of retired personnel.
He stressed that those who had served the nation deserved sustained institutional support and dignity in retirement.
The engagement, according to the Defence Headquarters, underscores its commitment to maintaining a strong and enduring relationship with Nigeria’s military veterans and ensuring that their welfare remains a key institutional priority.
