The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, has assured military veterans of improved welfare and greater access to economic opportunities, stressing the commitment of the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) to supporting retired personnel and their families.
Oluyede gave the assurance on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, when the National President of the Retired Army, Navy and Air Force Officers Association, Major General Hussaini Abayomi Salihu (Rtd), led members of the association on a courtesy visit to the Defence Headquarters in Abuja.
According to an official statement signed by the Director, Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, the engagement provided an opportunity for the association’s new executive council to meet with the CDS, who is also the Chief Patron of the association, and strengthen relations between the DHQ and retired military officers.
The National President of the association commended the CDS for his sustained engagement with veterans across the six geopolitical zones and expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR for measures aimed at improving the welfare of serving and retired members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
Salihu particularly noted the recent increase in the salaries of serving personnel and consequential adjustments for retired personnel.
He also presented 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, the database would enable companies and organisations requiring specialised expertise to easily access the services of qualified and experienced retired military officers.
Responding, Oluyede thanked the retired officers for their sacrifices and service to the nation, assuring them that their contributions to Nigeria’s security and development remained appreciated.
The CDS said, “Your contributions to the security and development of our nation remain appreciated,” while pledging to work with the association to address issues affecting veterans’ welfare within existing government policies and institutional frameworks.
On the concerns surrounding salary increases and their implications for veterans, Oluyede assured the delegation that the ongoing exercise was comprehensive and inclusive.
He explained that implementation was already underway, adding that adjustments to the emoluments of serving personnel have consequential implications for the pensions and benefits of retired military personnel in line with extant government policies.
The CDS further disclosed that the Defence Headquarters was collaborating with the Bank of Industry (BOI) to provide serving and retired military personnel and their families with access to low-interest loans for business enterprises.
He said the initiative was designed to enable beneficiaries establish and expand sustainable businesses, describing it as part of broader efforts by the DHQ to promote economic empowerment, self-reliance and improved welfare among military personnel and veterans.
Oluyede assured the delegation that the DHQ would continue to explore practical measures and partnerships to improve the welfare and quality of life of veterans.
He stressed that personnel who had served the nation deserved sustained institutional support and dignity in retirement.
The engagement further underscored the Defence Headquarters’ commitment to maintaining a strong and enduring relationship with retired military personnel while making veterans’ welfare an important component of its institutional priorities.
