The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, has reaffirmed the commitment of the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) to the welfare, dignity and continued relevance of Nigeria’s military veterans.
Oluyede gave the assurance on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, when the National President of the Retired Army, Navy and Air Force Officers Association, Major General Hussaini Abayomi Salihu (Rtd), led members of the association on a courtesy visit to the Defence Headquarters in Abuja.
Major General Samaila Uba, Director, Defence Information in a statement said the visit provided an opportunity for the new leadership of the association to formally engage the CDS, who is also the Chief Patron of the association, and strengthen cooperation between the DHQ and retired military officers.
Speaking during the visit, Salihu said the delegation was at the Defence Headquarters to familiarise itself with the CDS following the emergence of a new executive council and to foster closer engagement with the military authorities.
He commended Oluyede for his deliberate and sustained engagement with veterans across the six geopolitical zones and expressed appreciation for the warm reception accorded the delegation.
The National President also praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for measures aimed at improving the welfare of members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, particularly the recent salary increase for serving personnel and the consequential adjustments for retired personnel.
Salihu further presented requests aimed at strengthening the welfare and socio-economic relevance of retired military officers, including the establishment of a comprehensive database of association members.
According to him, such a database would enable companies and organisations seeking specialised expertise to easily access the services of qualified and experienced retired military officers.
Responding, Oluyede thanked the veterans for their service and sacrifices to the nation, stressing that their contributions to Nigeria’s security and development remained highly appreciated.
He assured the retired officers of his determination to discharge his responsibilities as Chief Patron of the association and work with them to address issues affecting their welfare within existing government policies and institutional frameworks.
On concerns over salary increments and their implications for veterans, the CDS assured the retired officers that the ongoing exercise was comprehensive and inclusive.
He explained that implementation was already underway, adding that, in line with existing government policies, adjustments to the emoluments of serving personnel have consequential implications for the pensions and benefits of military veterans.
Oluyede also highlighted initiatives being undertaken by the DHQ to improve the quality of life of veterans and their families.
Among them is the ongoing collaboration between the Defence Headquarters and the Bank of Industry (BOI) to facilitate access to low-interest loans for business enterprises.
The initiative is designed to support serving and retired military personnel and their families in establishing and expanding sustainable businesses.
The CDS said the programme formed part of broader efforts by the DHQ to promote economic empowerment, self-reliance and improved welfare among military personnel and veterans.
He assured the delegation that the Defence Headquarters would continue to explore practical measures and partnerships capable of improving the welfare of veterans, noting that those who served the nation deserved sustained institutional support and dignity in retirement.
The engagement, according to the Defence Headquarters, underscores its commitment to maintaining a strong and enduring relationship with Nigeria’s military veterans while ensuring that their welfare remains an important component of the military’s institutional priorities.
