The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has reaffirmed its commitment to improving the welfare of retired military personnel, assuring veterans that efforts are underway to implement the recently approved salary increase and corresponding pension adjustments.
According to the Director, Defence Information, Maj. Gen. Samaila Uba, the assurance was given on Tuesday during a one-day strategic retreat between the Defence Headquarters and leaders of various Military Veterans’ Associations at the Army Headquarters Command Officers’ Mess 1, Asokoro, Abuja.
The retreat, organised in collaboration with the Retired Army, Navy and Air Force Officers’ Association of Nigeria (RANAO), served as a platform to strengthen engagement with veterans and discuss issues affecting their welfare.
Speaking at the event, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, represented by the Chief of Defence Operations, Major General Jamal Abdussalam, said sustained dialogue remains the most effective means of addressing the concerns of retired personnel.
He said the welfare of military veterans remains one of the Defence Headquarters’ top priorities, adding that the military leadership is working through the appropriate statutory processes to ensure the implementation of the recently approved salary review and the accompanying pension adjustments.
The CDS also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his commitment to the welfare of members of the Armed Forces, while urging retired personnel to remain patient and continue to uphold the values of discipline, loyalty and patriotism.
He assured the veterans that the Defence Headquarters would continue to pursue improved healthcare services, prompt pension payments and enhanced welfare packages for retired military personnel.
General Oluyede further stressed the need for stronger collaboration among military veterans’ associations, encouraging retired personnel to remain actively involved in nation-building by mentoring younger generations and supporting initiatives that promote national unity and national security.
The retreat brought together leaders of various veterans’ associations to foster greater cooperation and reinforce the role of retired service personnel in advancing peace, security and national development.
