By Nkechi Eze
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, has reaffirmed the commitment of the Defence Headquarters to improving the welfare of Nigeria’s veterans, highlighting ongoing initiatives aimed at supporting retired military personnel and their families.
Oluyede gave the assurance on Thursday, August 20, 2026, during an interactive engagement with veterans from the North-East geopolitical zone in Yola, Adamawa State.
The engagement was the second in a series of zonal consultations with veterans across the country and provided an avenue for the military leadership to listen to concerns raised by retired personnel on their welfare and other issues.
According to an official statement signed by Major General Samaila Uba, Director, Defence Information, the CDS addressed concerns over salary and pension adjustments, assuring the veterans that the implementation was ongoing and inclusive.
He explained that, in line with existing policies, adjustments to the emoluments of serving military personnel have consequential increases in the pensions of veterans.
Oluyede also outlined welfare initiatives being pursued by the Defence Headquarters, including a partnership with the Bank of Industry to provide access to low-interest loans for business ventures to serving and retired military personnel and their families.
He disclosed that construction of a Defence Hospital was also ongoing, with a percentage of its patronage to be reserved for veterans.
The CDS said the initiatives had received the support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria, who had provided resources to facilitate their implementation in recognition of the sacrifices made by serving and retired military personnel.
The veterans also used the engagement to present additional welfare concerns to the CDS, who assured them that the issues would continue to receive appropriate attention.
The meeting was attended by veteran leaders, including the President of the Retired Army, Navy and Air Force Officers Association (RANAO), Major General HA Salihu (rtd), Major General LP Ngubane (rtd), and Air Vice Marshal NE Nzokala (rtd).
Speaking on behalf of the veterans, the RANAO President expressed appreciation to the CDS for engaging with retired personnel and urged veterans to support efforts by the Armed Forces leadership to improve the welfare of serving and retired personnel.
In his closing remarks, Oluyede paid tribute to the veterans for their service and sacrifices in defending the nation, stressing that their contribution remained valued despite their retirement from active service.
He assured them that the Defence Headquarters, in collaboration with the Ministry of Defence, would continue to pursue measures aimed at improving their welfare.
“The uniform may have been taken off, but the nation’s gratitude will never fade,” Oluyede said, stressing that Nigeria would continue to cherish the service, courage and sacrifices of those who served to keep the country safe.
