The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, has reaffirmed the commitment of the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) to the welfare, dignity and continued relevance of Nigeria’s military veterans.
Oluyede gave the assurance on Wednesday in Abuja when the National President of the Retired Army, Navy and Air Force Officers Association, Maj. Gen. Hussaini Abayomi Salihu (rtd.), paid a courtesy visit to the Defence Headquarters.
Salihu said the delegation was at the DHQ to familiarise the newly constituted executive council with the CDS, who is also the Chief Patron of the association, and strengthen collaboration between retired officers and the military authorities.
He commended the CDS for his sustained engagement with veterans across the six geopolitical zones and also appreciated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for measures aimed at improving the welfare of serving personnel and retired officers, particularly the recent salary increase and consequential adjustments for pensioners.
The association also requested the establishment of a comprehensive database of retired officers to enable organisations and companies to easily access their expertise and experience when required.
Responding, Oluyede thanked the retired officers for their sacrifices and contributions to national security and development, assuring them of his commitment to addressing issues affecting their welfare within existing policies and institutional frameworks.
On salary adjustments, the CDS said the ongoing exercise was comprehensive and inclusive, noting that adjustments to the emoluments of serving personnel have consequential implications for the pensions and benefits of veterans in line with government policy.
Oluyede further disclosed that the DHQ was collaborating with the Bank of Industry (BOI) to provide low-interest loans to serving and retired military personnel and their families to establish and expand businesses. He said the initiative was part of broader efforts to promote economic empowerment, self-reliance and improved welfare among military personnel and veterans.
The CDS assured the delegation that the DHQ would continue to explore practical measures and partnerships to improve the welfare of veterans, stressing that those who served the nation deserved sustained institutional support and dignity in retirement.