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.
The visit provided an opportunity for the newly constituted executive council of the association to formally engage the CDS, who is also its Chief Patron, and strengthen collaboration between the DHQ and retired military officers.
Speaking during the engagement, Salihu said the delegation was at the Defence Headquarters to familiarise itself with the CDS following the assumption of office of the new executive council and to foster closer ties with the military authorities.
He commended the CDS for his deliberate and sustained engagement with veterans across the six geopolitical zones, while appreciating the warm reception accorded the delegation.
The National President also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for measures aimed at improving the welfare of serving personnel, particularly the recent salary increase and consequential adjustments for retired personnel.
Salihu presented several requests aimed at strengthening the welfare and socio-economic relevance of retired military officers. Among them was the establishment of a comprehensive database of association members to enable companies and organisations to easily access the expertise and services of qualified retired officers.
Responding, Oluyede thanked members of the association for their service and sacrifices to the nation, stressing that their contributions to Nigeria’s security and development remain highly appreciated.
The CDS assured the veterans of his determination to discharge his responsibilities as Chief Patron and work with the association to address issues affecting their welfare within existing government policies and institutional frameworks.
On concerns over salary increases and their implications for veterans, Oluyede said the ongoing exercise was comprehensive and inclusive, noting that implementation had commenced.
He explained that, in line with government policy, adjustments to the emoluments of serving personnel have consequential implications for the pensions and benefits of retired military personnel.
The CDS also highlighted initiatives being undertaken by the DHQ to improve the welfare of veterans and their families, including an ongoing collaboration with the Bank of Industry (BOI) to facilitate access to low-interest loans for business enterprises.
According to him, the initiative is designed to support serving and retired military personnel and their families in establishing and expanding sustainable businesses.
Oluyede said the initiative 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 veterans’ welfare, emphasising that those who served the nation deserved sustained institutional support and dignity in retirement.
The engagement further underscored the DHQ’s commitment to maintaining a strong and enduring relationship with Nigeria’s military veterans and ensuring that their welfare remains a key component of the military’s institutional priorities.
