The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, has assured military veterans that the recent salary review for serving personnel will have a corresponding impact on their pensions, while outlining new welfare initiatives being implemented by the Defence Headquarters (DHQ).
Oluyede gave the assurance during an interactive engagement with veterans from the North-East geopolitical zone in Yola, Adamawa State.
The engagement, which was the second in a series of zonal consultations with veterans across the country, provided an opportunity for retired military personnel to raise concerns about their welfare and other issues affecting them.
Addressing concerns over the salary increment, the CDS said the exercise was all-inclusive and that its implementation was ongoing.
He explained that, in line with existing government policies, adjustments to the emoluments of serving military personnel would have a consequential effect on the pensions of veterans.
Oluyede also highlighted various initiatives by the DHQ aimed at improving the welfare of retired personnel and their families.
He disclosed that the DHQ was collaborating with the Bank of Industry to facilitate access to low-interest loans for business ventures by serving and retired military personnel, including members of their families.
The CDS further revealed that construction of the Defence Hospital was ongoing, adding that a percentage of its patronage would be reserved for veterans.
According to him, the initiatives had received the support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, who had provided resources to drive programmes aimed at recognising and rewarding the sacrifices of serving and retired military personnel.
The veterans also presented other welfare concerns during the meeting, which the CDS addressed while assuring them that the issues would continue to receive appropriate attention.
The engagement was attended by veteran leaders, including the President of the Retired Army, Navy and Air Force Officers Association (RANAO), Major General H.A. Salihu (rtd), Major General L.P. Ngubane (rtd) and Air Vice Marshal N.E. Nzokala (rtd).
Speaking on behalf of the veterans, the RANAO president thanked the CDS for the engagement and urged veterans to support efforts by the Armed Forces leadership to improve the welfare of serving and retired personnel.
In his closing remarks, Oluyede paid tribute to the veterans for their sacrifices in defending the nation. He said their retirement from active service would not diminish the nation’s appreciation of their contributions.
“The uniform may have been taken off, but the nation’s gratitude will never fade,” he said.
The CDS assured the veterans that the Defence Headquarters, under the Ministry of Defence, would continue to pursue measures aimed at improving their welfare.
He added that Nigeria would forever cherish the service, courage and sacrifices of those who served to keep the country safe.
