By Nkechi Eze
The Defence Headquarters has unveiled an online discount scheme to provide serving and retired personnel of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and their families with access to essential goods at preferential prices.
The initiative was launched on Thursday in Abuja by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, CON, who described the scheme as a practical intervention to improve the welfare of military personnel and their families.
According to an official statement signed by the Director, Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, Akume said the wellbeing of personnel and their families remained critical to maintaining a motivated and resilient Armed Forces.
He commended the Defence Headquarters and Zinox Group for the partnership, noting that the initiative demonstrated how digital technology could be deployed to address contemporary welfare needs.
The SGF stressed the need for transparency, reliability and continuous improvement of the platform, saying its credibility would be determined by the quality of service and tangible benefits delivered to beneficiaries.
He also welcomed the inclusion of veterans and their families in the scheme, noting that their contributions and sacrifices to national service deserved continued recognition and support.
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, described the online discount shop as a practical expression of the Armed Forces’ commitment to personnel welfare, stressing that the initiative represents a people-centred approach to improving the livelihoods of personnel, veterans and their families.
Oluyede disclosed that the Defence Headquarters would develop a robust database, leveraging existing Service platforms and pension records, to ensure effective implementation of the scheme.
He further revealed plans to expand the platform to accommodate more vendors, including suppliers of building materials and other essential commodities, while physical outlets would be established in the future.
Earlier, the Chief of Transformation and Innovation, Defence Headquarters, Air Vice Marshal Idris Alhaji, said the initiative was one of several welfare interventions being introduced under the CDS’ “Soldier First” leadership principle.
A major highlight of the launch was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Defence Headquarters and Zinox Group to formalise the partnership.
The agreement was signed by Oluyede on behalf of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and the Chairman of Zinox Group, Chief Dr Leo Stan Ekeh, on behalf of the private-sector partner.
The initiative is expected to strengthen access to affordable goods and services for serving personnel, veterans and their families through digital innovation and strategic partnership.
