Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, has assured retired military personnel that the ongoing review of salaries for serving members of the Armed Forces will lead to corresponding increases in the pensions of veterans.
Oluyede gave the assurance on Thursday during an interactive meeting with military veterans from the North-East geopolitical zone in Yola, Adamawa State.
The meeting, the second in a series of zonal consultations with retired military personnel across the country, provided an opportunity for veterans to engage directly with the Defence Chief on issues affecting their welfare, including pensions, healthcare and post-service support.
Responding to concerns over pension payments and salary adjustments, Oluyede according to a statement by the Defence spokesman, Major General Samaila Uba, explained that the ongoing review of personnel emoluments covers all categories of military personnel.
He noted that under existing government policy, any upward review of the salaries of serving personnel would automatically reflect in the pensions of retired officers and men, adding that implementation of the salary review had already commenced.
Beyond pension adjustments, the Defence Chief announced additional initiatives aimed at improving the welfare of serving personnel, veterans and their families.
He disclosed that the Defence Headquarters was collaborating with the Bank of Industry to provide low-interest loans to serving and retired military personnel, as well as their families, to enable them establish or expand businesses.
Oluyede also revealed that the Defence Hospital currently under construction would dedicate part of its services to veterans, giving retired personnel improved access to quality healthcare.
According to him, the welfare initiatives enjoy the support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, who has provided resources to strengthen programmes designed to recognise the sacrifices of both serving and retired military personnel.
The veterans also raised other welfare concerns during the meeting, with the Defence Chief assuring them that the military authorities would continue to address their challenges.
Speaking on behalf of the veterans, the President of the Retired Army, Navy and Air Force Officers Association, Major General H.A. Salihu (retd), commended the Defence Chief for engaging directly with retired personnel. He also urged veterans to support ongoing efforts by the military leadership to improve the welfare of both serving personnel and retirees.
Other veteran leaders present at the meeting included Major General L.P. Ngubane (retd) and Air Vice Marshal N.E. Nzokala (retd).
In his closing remarks, Oluyede paid tribute to the sacrifices made by retired military personnel in safeguarding Nigeria’s territorial integrity and national security.
He assured them that the Defence Headquarters, in collaboration with the Ministry of Defence, would continue to pursue policies and programmes aimed at enhancing their welfare, stressing that the nation remains grateful for their service and commitment.
