The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, has reaffirmed the commitment of the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) to improving the welfare and dignity of Nigeria’s veterans.
General Oluyede made this known on Wednesday, August 20, 2026, during an interactive engagement with veterans from the North East geopolitical zone in Yola, Adamawa State.
The engagement, which is the second in a series of zonal consultations with veterans across the country, provided an opportunity for veterans to raise concerns about their welfare and other issues affecting them.
Addressing concerns over salary increments, the CDS said the exercise was all-inclusive and that implementation was ongoing. He explained that, in line with existing policies, adjustments to the emoluments of serving personnel have a consequential effect on the pensions of retired personnel.
Read Also: 2027: Don’t use Ogun West’s agitation to smuggle in outsiders – PDP chieftain tells Olota
General Oluyede also highlighted several DHQ initiatives aimed at improving the welfare of veterans and their families. These include collaboration with the Bank of Industry to facilitate access to low-digit loans for business enterprises by serving and retired personnel and their families.
He further disclosed that the ongoing construction of the Defence Hospital would reserve a percentage of its patronage for veterans.
The CDS said the initiatives had the support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who, as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, had provided resources to drive programmes aimed at appreciating the sacrifices of serving and retired military personnel.
The veterans also presented other welfare concerns, which the CDS addressed and assured them would continue to receive appropriate attention.
The engagement was attended by veteran leaders, including the President of the Retired Army, Navy and Air Force Officers Association (RANAO), Major General H.A. Salihu (rtd), Major General L.P. Ngubane (rtd), and Air Vice Marshal N.E. Nzokala (rtd).
Speaking on behalf of the veterans, the RANAO President expressed appreciation to the CDS and urged veterans to support efforts by the Armed Forces leadership to improve the welfare of serving personnel and retirees.
In his closing remarks, General Oluyede paid tribute to the veterans for their sacrifices in defending the nation, stressing that although they had taken off the uniform, the nation’s gratitude for their service remained.
He assured the veterans that the Defence Headquarters, under the Ministry of Defence, would continue working to improve their welfare, noting that Nigeria would forever cherish the service, courage and sacrifices of those who served to keep the country safe.
SAMAILA UBA
Major General
Director, Defence Information
20 August 2026
