The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has reaffirmed its commitment to improving the welfare of retired military personnel, promising sustained engagement with veterans and continued efforts to ensure better healthcare, prompt pension payments and enhanced welfare packages.
The DHQ said veterans remain critical stakeholders in national development and stressed the need for stronger collaboration with retired personnel to promote national unity, security and mentorship for younger generations.
The commitment was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, following a one-day strategic retreat between the Defence Headquarters and leaders of various military veterans’ associations in Abuja.
Speaking at the retreat, the Chief of Defence Staff, represented by the Chief of Defence Operations, Major General Jamal Abdussalam, reaffirmed the military’s commitment to maintaining regular engagement with veterans.
“The Defence Headquarters (DHQ), under the leadership of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, has convened a one-day strategic retreat with the leadership of various Military Veterans’ Associations at the Army Headquarters Command Mess 1, Asokoro, Abuja.
“The retreat, hosted in collaboration with the Retired Army, Navy and Air Force Officers’ Association of Nigeria (RANAO), provided a platform for dialogue, collaboration and renewed commitment to the welfare of retired personnel who dedicated their lives to the defence of Nigeria.
“In his remarks, the CDS, represented by the Chief of Defence Operations, Major General Jamal Abdussalam, reaffirmed the commitment of the Defence Headquarters to sustaining open dialogue with military veterans, stressing that engagement remains the most effective approach to resolving concerns affecting retired personnel.”
“He noted that under the leadership of the Chief of Defence Staff, veterans’ welfare remains one of the top priorities of Defence Headquarters and assured participants that efforts are ongoing to ensure the implementation of the recently approved salary increase and corresponding pension adjustments through the appropriate statutory processes”, the statement partly read.
The statement further noted that the CDS commended President Bola Tinubu for prioritising the welfare of members of the Armed Forces.
It stated, “The CDS further commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his commitment to the welfare of members of the Armed Forces and urged veterans to remain patient and continue to uphold the values of discipline, loyalty and patriotism for which the Nigerian military is renowned.
“He assured them that the Defence Headquarters would continue to pursue improved healthcare, timely pension payments and better welfare packages for retired personnel.”
The military high command also urged retired personnel to remain actively involved in national development.
It added, “The retreat underscored the importance of strengthening cooperation among veterans’ organisations while encouraging retired personnel to remain active partners in nation-building by mentoring younger generations and supporting initiatives that promote national unity and security.”
Successive administrations have faced persistent demands from military veterans over pensions, healthcare and other welfare entitlements.
In recent years, retired personnel have repeatedly called for improved benefits, implementation of salary reviews and greater inclusion in policies affecting former members of the Armed Forces.
The Defence Headquarters has continued to engage veterans’ groups as part of efforts to address their concerns and strengthen cooperation between serving and retired military personnel.
The PUNCH