The Federal Government has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to the welfare, well-being and continued support of military veterans across the country in recognition of their sacrifices in safeguarding Nigeria’s sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity.
According to an official statement signed by the Head, Information and Public Relations, Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF), Chris Ugwuegbulam, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, CON, gave the assurance while receiving a delegation of the National Council of the Nigerian Legion led by its Chairman, Ms. Grace Morenike Henry, in Abuja.
Senator Akume stated that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains committed to improving the welfare of military veterans who have served the nation with courage, patriotism and distinction. He noted that the Federal Government recognises the immense contributions of both serving and retired military personnel to Nigeria’s peace, stability and development.
The SGF said the administration remains proud of the Nigerian Armed Forces, both serving and retired, noting that their sacrifices laid the foundation for the peace and stability the country enjoys today. He assured the delegation that the government would continue to ensure that veterans are treated with dignity, respect and the care they deserve.
Senator Akume further assured the National Council that the issues raised during the meeting would receive careful consideration in consultation with relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies of Government. He reiterated the commitment of the Tinubu administration, under the Renewed Hope Agenda, to policies that promote the welfare of men and women who have served the nation with honour and distinction.
The statement further disclosed that the Permanent Secretary, General Services Office, Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, mni, called for a fresh assessment of the Nigerian Legion Act, noting that the growing number of retired military personnel over the years requires legislation that reflects present-day realities.
Dr. Kana stressed the need for sustained collaboration between the Federal Government and the Nigerian Legion to advance policies that will improve veterans’ welfare, support the families of fallen heroes and preserve the legacy of those who made the ultimate sacrifice in defence of the nation.
Describing military veterans as a critical national asset, he recalled that the Nigerian Legion was originally established to cater for veterans of the Second World War before the Nigerian Legion Act was amended in 1977 to accommodate veterans of the Nigerian Civil War and personnel who participated in subsequent military operations within and outside Nigeria.
Earlier, the Chairman of the National Council of the Nigerian Legion, Ms. Grace Morenike Henry, advocated the review and modernisation of the Nigerian Legion Act to preserve the institution’s foundational objectives while updating obsolete provisions to reflect contemporary realities.
She appealed to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation to support legislative amendments that would strengthen the Act and reinforce the Nigerian Legion’s role as a strategic partner of government in veterans’ affairs.
Ms. Henry also called for the establishment of a dedicated Federal Ministry of Veterans Affairs to coordinate policies relating to veterans’ welfare, pensions, healthcare, rehabilitation and reintegration. She noted that such an institution, in line with global best practices in countries such as the United States and the United Kingdom, would enhance service delivery and provide more focused support for retired military personnel.
