The Defence Headquarters has launched an online discount shop designed to enable serving and retired members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, as well as their families, access essential goods at preferential prices.
The initiative was unveiled in Abuja on Thursday, with the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, serving as Special Guest of Honour.
Akume described the platform as a practical intervention aimed at strengthening the welfare of military personnel and their families, stressing that the wellbeing of service members remained critical to sustaining a motivated and resilient Armed Forces.
He commended the Defence Headquarters and Zinox Group for the partnership, saying the initiative demonstrated how digital technology could be deployed to address contemporary welfare needs.
The SGF, however, emphasised the need for transparency, reliability and continuous improvement in the operation of the platform, noting that its credibility would ultimately depend on the quality of service and tangible benefits delivered to beneficiaries.
He also welcomed the inclusion of veterans and their families, noting that their contributions and sacrifices to national service deserved continued recognition and support.
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, described the online discount shop as a practical expression of the Armed Forces’ commitment to personnel welfare.
Oluyede said the initiative went beyond discounted goods, describing it as a people-centred approach to improving the livelihoods of serving personnel, veterans and their families through digital innovation and strategic partnerships.
He disclosed that the Defence Headquarters would develop a robust database, leveraging existing Service platforms and pension records, to facilitate effective implementation of the scheme.
The CDS also revealed plans to expand the platform to accommodate additional vendors, including suppliers of building materials and other essential commodities, while physical outlets would be established in the future.
The Chairman of Zinox Group, Chief Dr Leo Stan Ekeh, represented by the company’s General Manager, Corporate Governance, Mr Reginald Obiako, expressed the company’s commitment to supporting the initiative.
Ekeh described the partnership as Zinox Group’s contribution towards recognising the sacrifices and dedication of members of the Armed Forces, noting that the platform would provide beneficiaries with convenient access to quality products at preferential prices.
Earlier, the Chief of Transformation and Innovation, Defence Headquarters, Air Vice Marshal Idris Alhaji, said the Defence Discount Scheme was among several welfare initiatives being introduced under the CDS’s “Soldier First” leadership principle.
He said the initiative reflected the commitment of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces to improving the welfare of serving personnel, veterans and their families.
A major highlight of the event was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Defence Headquarters and Zinox Group to formalise the partnership.
The MoU was signed by General Olufemi Oluyede on behalf of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and Chief Dr Leo Stan Ekeh on behalf of Zinox Group.
The Defence Headquarters said the launch and partnership underscored its commitment to strengthening personnel and veteran welfare through digital innovation, strategic partnerships and practical interventions that improve access to essential goods and services.
