The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, has assured Nigeria’s military veterans that the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) is taking concrete steps to improve their welfare, pensions, healthcare and economic opportunities.
Oluyede gave the assurance on Wednesday, August 20, 2026, during an interactive engagement with veterans from the North-East geopolitical zone in Yola, Adamawa State.
The meeting was the second in a series of nationwide consultations designed to give retired military personnel an opportunity to raise concerns directly with the Armed Forces leadership.
The engagement focused on key issues affecting veterans, including remuneration, pensions, healthcare, business opportunities and the general welfare of retired personnel and their families.
CDS Speaks on Salary Increase and Veterans’ Pensions
Addressing concerns surrounding salary increments, General Oluyede said the ongoing adjustment was an all-inclusive exercise and that implementation was already in progress.
He explained that existing government policies provide for corresponding adjustments to the pensions of retired military personnel whenever there are changes to the emoluments of serving personnel.
The CDS assured veterans that the Defence Headquarters would continue to monitor the implementation process and address issues affecting retired personnel through the appropriate channels.
DHQ Partners Bank of Industry to Support Veterans
Oluyede also announced measures aimed at improving the financial wellbeing of veterans and their families.
He disclosed that the Defence Headquarters was collaborating with the Bank of Industry to facilitate access to low-interest loans for business enterprises.
The initiative is expected to provide serving and retired military personnel and their families with opportunities to establish or expand businesses and improve their livelihoods.
The CDS further revealed that veterans would benefit from the Defence Hospital currently under construction.
According to him, a percentage of the hospital’s patronage would be reserved for veterans, giving retired military personnel improved access to healthcare services.
Tinubu Supports Military Welfare Initiatives
General Oluyede said the welfare initiatives had the backing of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who serves as Commander-in-Chief of the Nigerian Armed Forces.
He noted that the President had provided resources to support programmes aimed at recognising the sacrifices of serving and retired military personnel and improving their welfare.
The CDS stressed that the contributions of veterans to national security remained important and deserved continued recognition even after retirement.
Veterans Raise Welfare Concerns in Yola
During the interactive session, veterans presented additional concerns relating to their welfare and other challenges facing retired military personnel.
The CDS addressed the issues raised and assured the veterans that their concerns would continue to receive appropriate attention from the Defence Headquarters.
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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 for engaging directly with retired personnel.
He also urged veterans to support efforts by the Armed Forces leadership to improve the welfare of both serving personnel and retirees.
Oluyede Pays Tribute to Nigeria’s Military Veterans
In his closing remarks, General Oluyede paid tribute to veterans for their years of service and sacrifices in defending Nigeria.
He said retirement from active service did not diminish the value of their contributions to the country, noting that the nation remained grateful for their courage and dedication.
The CDS assured the veterans that the Defence Headquarters, under the Ministry of Defence, would continue to pursue measures aimed at improving their welfare and dignity.
He reaffirmed that Nigeria would continue to cherish the service and sacrifices of those who served to protect the country and its citizens.
The Yola consultation forms part of the Defence Headquarters’ broader engagement with veterans across Nigeria, with the aim of identifying their concerns and strengthening policies and programmes designed to support retired military personnel.
