Esther Oseyiomon
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, has reaffirmed the commitment of the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) to improving the welfare and dignity of military veterans, assuring retired personnel that their concerns remain a priority.
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 meeting was the second in a series of zonal consultations with veterans across the country.
Addressing concerns over the recent salary increment and its impact on pensions, the CDS explained that the implementation was comprehensive and ongoing. He noted that, in line with existing policies, adjustments to the emoluments of serving military personnel have corresponding implications for the pensions of retired personnel.
The CDS also highlighted measures being pursued by the DHQ to improve the welfare of veterans and their families. These include collaboration with the Bank of Industry to provide low-digit loans for business ventures to serving and retired personnel and their families.
He further disclosed that the ongoing construction of the Defence Hospital would reserve a percentage of its patronage for veterans, adding that the initiatives had received the support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who provided resources to advance welfare programmes for serving and retired military personnel.
The veterans, led by the President of the Retired Army, Navy and Air Force Officers Association (RANAO), Major General HA Salihu (rtd), also presented concerns affecting their welfare. The CDS assured them that the issues raised would continue to receive appropriate attention from the Defence Headquarters.
The engagement provided an opportunity for frank discussions between the military leadership and veterans, with the RANAO President expressing appreciation to the CDS for the initiative. He also urged veterans to support efforts by the Armed Forces leadership to improve the welfare of serving personnel and retirees.
In his closing remarks, Oluyede paid tribute to the veterans for their sacrifices in defending Nigeria, stressing that retirement from active service does not diminish the nation’s appreciation of their contributions.
He assured the veterans that the DHQ, in collaboration with the Ministry of Defence, would continue to pursue measures aimed at improving their welfare, stressing that Nigeria would remain grateful for the courage, service and sacrifices of those who served to keep the country safe.