The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, has reaffirmed the commitment of the Defence Headquarters to improving the welfare, dignity and wellbeing of retired military personnel across the country.
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 nationwide.
The CDS said the ongoing review of salaries and emoluments was comprehensive, assuring the veterans that the exercise would benefit all categories covered by existing government policies.
He explained that adjustments to the emoluments of serving personnel would have a corresponding impact on the pensions of retired personnel, in line with extant policies. He said implementation of the approved measures was already ongoing.
Oluyede also outlined several initiatives being pursued by the Defence Headquarters to improve the economic and social wellbeing of veterans and their families. Among them is collaboration with the Bank of Industry to provide access to low digit loans for business ventures for serving and retired personnel and their families.
He further disclosed that the construction of the Defence Hospital was ongoing, adding that provision had been made for a percentage of its patronage to be reserved for veterans. According to him, the initiatives received the support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who has provided resources to advance measures aimed at recognising the sacrifices of serving and retired military personnel.
The veterans used the engagement to present additional welfare concerns to the CDS. Oluyede assured them that their issues would continue to receive appropriate attention as the Defence Headquarters works with relevant authorities to address them.
The meeting was attended by senior veteran leaders, including the President of the Retired Army, Navy and Air Force Officers Association, RANAO, Maj. Gen. H.A. Salihu (rtd), Maj. Gen. L.P. Ngubane (rtd) and Air Vice Marshal N.E. Nzokala (rtd), providing an opportunity for direct interaction and constructive dialogue.
Speaking on behalf of the veterans, the RANAO president expressed appreciation to the CDS for the engagement and urged retired personnel to support ongoing efforts by the Armed Forces leadership to improve the welfare of serving personnel and veterans.
In his closing remarks, Oluyede commended the veterans for their service and sacrifices in defending Nigeria, stressing that although they had retired from active service, the nation remained indebted to their contributions. He pledged that the Defence Headquarters, under the Ministry of Defence, would sustain efforts to improve veterans’ welfare, adding that Nigeria would continue to honour the courage and sacrifices of those who served to keep the country safe.