The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, has reaffirmed the Defence Headquarters’ (DHQ) commitment to the welfare, dignity, and continued relevance of military veterans, assuring retired personnel that their contributions to national security will continue to receive institutional support.
General Oluyede gave the assurance 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 Defence Headquarters in Abuja.
The visit, which served as an opportunity for the newly elected executive members of the association to engage with the CDS in his capacity as Chief Patron, focused on strengthening collaboration between the Defence Headquarters and retired military officers nationwide.
Speaking during the meeting, Major General Salihu said “The delegation was at the DHQ to familiarise itself with the CDS following the inauguration of the association’s new executive committee and to foster closer engagement with military leadership”.
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He commended General Oluyede for maintaining regular interaction with veterans across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones and appreciated the warm reception extended to the delegation.
The association’s president also expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for measures aimed at improving the welfare of members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, particularly the recent salary increase for serving personnel and its consequential benefits for retired officers.
Among the requests presented to the CDS was the establishment of a comprehensive database of retired military officers.
According to Major General Salihu, such a database would enable organisations and companies to easily identify and engage qualified veterans whose expertise remains valuable in various sectors of the economy.
Responding, General Oluyede thanked members of the association for their years of dedicated service and sacrifices to the nation, noting that their contributions to Nigeria’s peace, security and development remain highly valued.
He assured the retired officers of his readiness to discharge his responsibilities as Chief Patron and work within existing policy frameworks to address issues affecting veterans’ welfare.
On concerns relating to salary adjustments and pension benefits, the CDS explained that the ongoing implementation process is comprehensive and inclusive.
He stressed that government policies provide for corresponding adjustments to the pensions and benefits of retired personnel whenever emoluments of serving military personnel are reviewed.
General Oluyede also highlighted ongoing initiatives by the Defence Headquarters aimed at improving the quality of life of serving and retired personnel.
He disclosed that the DHQ is collaborating with the Bank of Industry (BOI) to facilitate access to low-interest loans for business enterprises owned by serving and retired military personnel and their families.
