Defence HQ Engages North-East Military Veterans, Promises Improved Welfare

The Defence Headquarters has engaged veterans of the Nigerian Armed Forces in the North-East Zone, assuring them of the Federal Government’s commitment to improving their welfare and addressing concerns affecting serving and retired personnel.

The engagement, which focused on welfare and other related matters, also highlighted plans by the Defence Headquarters to strengthen intelligence gathering within communities as part of efforts to improve security.

Speaking during the engagement, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, said reports and protests over the welfare of serving personnel were largely based on misinformation, stressing that steps were already being taken to address the concerns.

The Defence Headquarters also said the Federal Government’s commitment to improving the salaries of serving soldiers is being implemented, adding that the welfare package extends to veterans who served the country meritoriously.

It said the package includes opportunities for veterans to access soft loans at low interest rates through partnerships, as well as livelihood empowerment programmes designed to support their economic wellbeing and improve their standard of living.

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The initiative is aimed at ensuring that veterans continue to receive support after their years of service, while creating opportunities for them to remain economically productive.

National President of the Retired Army, Navy and Air Force Officers Association, Hussaini Salihu, expressed confidence in the Federal Government’s intervention, saying the measures go beyond salary increments to provide a more comprehensive welfare package for veterans.

Salihu said the association was encouraged by the government’s commitment to addressing the needs of retired personnel, particularly through financial support, livelihood opportunities and access to affordable credit.

He urged veterans to take advantage of the programmes being provided, describing the engagement as an important platform for addressing concerns and strengthening the relationship between the Armed Forces, government and retired personnel.

The engagement underscores the Federal Government’s broader effort to improve the welfare of those who have served the country, while also strengthening collaboration with communities to support intelligence gathering and national security.