By ZAKAA LAZARUS
The Chief of Defence Staff, CDS, General Olufemi Oluyede, has reaffirmed the unwavering commitment of the Defence Headquarters, DHQ, to the welfare and dignity of Nigeria’s veterans.
This was contained in a statement signed by the Director, Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba.
General Oluyede gave the assurance on Wednesday, 20 August 2026, during an interactive engagement with veterans from the North East Zone in Yola, Adamawa State. The engagement was the second in a series of scheduled zonal consultations with veterans across the country.
Addressing concerns over salary increment, the CDS assured the veterans that the exercise is all inclusive. He explained that implementation is ongoing and that in line with extant policies, adjustments to the emoluments of serving personnel will lead to a consequential increase in veterans’ pensions.
The CDS also highlighted ongoing DHQ initiatives aimed at improving the lives of veterans and their families. These include collaboration with the Bank of Industry to facilitate access to low-interest loans for business enterprises for serving and retired personnel and their families, as well as the ongoing construction of the Defence Hospital, which will reserve a percentage of its services for veterans.
He noted that all the initiatives have the support of the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who deliberately provided resources to drive them as part of efforts to appreciate the sacrifices of both serving and retired personnel.
The veterans also used the occasion to present other welfare concerns, which the CDS addressed and assured would continue to receive appropriate attention.
The engagement was attended by veteran leaders led by the President of the Retired Army, Navy and Air Force Officers Association, RANAO, Major General HA Salihu (rtd), Major General LP Ngubane (rtd) and Air Vice Marshal NE Nzokala (rtd). It provided a platform for frank dialogue and renewed confidence.
Speaking on behalf of the veterans, the President of RANAO expressed gratitude to the CDS and called on veterans to support the efforts of the armed forces leadership under General Oluyede to improve the welfare of personnel and veterans.
In his closing remarks, General Oluyede paid tribute to the veterans for their sacrifices in defence of the nation. “The uniform may have been taken off, but the nation’s gratitude will never fade,” he said.
He assured them that the Defence Headquarters, under the Ministry of Defence, will continue to work towards improving their welfare, adding that Nigeria will forever cherish the service, courage and sacrifices of those who served to keep the nation safe.
