By Talkjudith
ABUJA, 24 September 2026: The Defence Headquarters has launched the Armed Forces of Nigeria Personnel/Veterans Online Discount Shop, a digital welfare initiative designed to provide serving and retired military personnel and their families with access to essential goods at discounted prices.
The initiative was officially launched by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, CON, at an event held at Defence Headquarters, Abuja.
Akume, who was the Special Guest of Honour, described the initiative as a practical intervention to improve the welfare of members of the Armed Forces and their families. He stressed that military welfare extends beyond occupational amenities, noting that the wellbeing of personnel and their families is critical to sustaining a motivated and resilient Armed Forces.
The SGF commended Defence Headquarters and Zinox Group for the partnership, emphasising the need for transparency, reliability and continuous improvement to ensure that beneficiaries derive tangible value from the platform.
He also welcomed the inclusion of veterans and their families, noting that their contributions and sacrifices to national service deserved continued recognition and support.
In his remarks, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, described the online discount shop as a practical demonstration of the Armed Forces’ commitment to personnel welfare.
The CDS disclosed that Defence Headquarters would develop a robust database, leveraging existing Service platforms and pension records, to facilitate effective implementation of the scheme.
He added that the platform would be expanded to accommodate additional vendors, including suppliers of building materials and other essential commodities, while plans are also underway for the establishment of physical outlets.
The Chairman of Zinox Group, Chief Dr Leo Stan Ekeh, represented by the company’s General Manager, Corporate Governance, Mr Reginald Obiako, said the partnership was part of the company’s contribution towards recognising the sacrifices and dedication of members of the Armed Forces.
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Earlier, the Chief of Transformation and Innovation, Defence Headquarters, Air Vice Marshal Idris Alhaji, said the Defence Discount Scheme was one of several welfare initiatives being introduced under the CDS’s Soldier First leadership principle.
A major highlight of the event was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Defence Headquarters and Zinox Group to formalise the partnership.
The agreement 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 launch marks another step by Defence Headquarters towards strengthening personnel and veteran welfare through digital innovation, strategic partnerships and improved access to essential goods and services
