By Nkechi Eze
The Honourable Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (rtd), has inaugurated an 18-member committee on Reclaiming Ungoverned Spaces for Economic Viability and the Repositioning of the Nigerian Legion Corps of Commissionaires and Veterans, as part of renewed efforts to strengthen veterans’ welfare and enhance the contribution of military veterans to national security.
The inauguration ceremony was held on Tuesday, 27 January 2026, at the Ministry of Defence Headquarters, Ship House, Abuja.
In an official signed statement by the Deputy Director, Information and Public Relations, Ministry of Defence, Enderline Chukwu, it was disclosed that the Minister, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr Richard Pheelangwa, described the Nigerian Legion as a critical national institution with a proud history of service, sacrifice and patriotism.
The Minister noted that the Legion has continued to play important roles in supporting national security and veterans’ affairs, adding that evolving socio-economic realities make it imperative to reform and reposition the corps for greater relevance, effectiveness and sustainability.
He explained that the repositioning of the Nigerian Legion and the broader veteran community is part of the Federal Government’s commitment to ensure that veterans who served the nation with honour are not left behind, but are empowered to live dignified and productive lives after active service.
Musa described the initiative as a deliberate and strategic policy intervention aimed at addressing long-standing structural and operational challenges that have constrained the contribution of the defence community to national development.
The Minister also advocated a strategic shift from an over-reliance on purely military offensives to a more comprehensive, inclusive and sustainable approach to national security.
While emphasising that military operations remain indispensable, he stressed that enduring peace and stability can only be achieved by tackling the underlying socio-economic conditions that allow insecurity to persist.
He outlined three key terms of reference for the committee: repositioning the veteran community to support national economic development; deploying veterans to secure ungoverned spaces and ensure such areas are brought under effective oversight and development; and repositioning the Nigerian Legion Corps of Commissionaires to strengthen operational effectiveness, facilitate veterans’ reintegration and promote their contribution to national security.
Charging members of the committee to adopt innovative, practical and forward-looking approaches that reflect contemporary realities, the Minister said the deliberate integration of veterans into security and development initiatives would enhance local ownership, improve intelligence gathering and foster trust between communities and the state.
He expressed confidence that the committee would submit actionable recommendations capable of supporting a holistic national strategy for securing Nigeria’s ungoverned spaces, while also promoting inclusive economic growth and sustainable peace.
According to the statement, membership of the committee is drawn from the Joint Services Department of the Ministry of Defence, the Nigerian Legion, Defence Headquarters, Defence Intelligence Agency, the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy and Nigerian Air Force, as well as representatives from the Offices of the Honourable Minister of Defence and the Honourable Minister of State for Defence.
The Federal Government believes the committee will unlock the vast potential of Nigeria’s veteran community as a strategic asset for national security, economic development and community stability.
