The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, has assured military retirees that adjustments to the emoluments of serving personnel will result in a corresponding increase in the pensions of veterans.
He reaffirmed the unwavering commitment of the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) to the welfare and dignity of Nigeria’s veterans.
Oluyede gave the assurance on Thursday, August 20, 2026, during an interactive engagement with veterans from the North-East Zone in Yola, Adamawa State.
A statement by the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, said the engagement was the second in a series of scheduled zonal consultations with veterans across the country.
Addressing concerns over the recent salary adjustments, the CDS assured the veterans that the exercise was all-inclusive.
“He explained that the implementation is ongoing and reaffirmed that, in line with extant policies, adjustments to the emoluments of serving personnel have a consequential increase in the pensions of veterans,” the statement said.
The CDS also highlighted ongoing DHQ initiatives aimed at improving the welfare of veterans and their families.
According to the statement, the initiatives include collaboration with the Bank of Industry to facilitate access to low-interest loans for business enterprises by serving and retired personnel and their families.
He also disclosed that construction of the Defence Hospital was ongoing, with a percentage of its patronage to be reserved for veterans.
Oluyede noted that all the initiatives had the support of the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who had deliberately provided resources to drive them as a demonstration of appreciation for the sacrifices of serving and retired personnel.
The CDS paid tribute to the veterans for their sacrifices in defending the nation, stressing that although the uniform may have been taken off, the nation’s gratitude would never fade.
He assured them that the Defence Headquarters, under the supervision of the Ministry of Defence, would continue to work towards improving their welfare.
Oluyede noted that Nigeria would forever cherish the service, courage and sacrifices of those who served to keep the nation safe.
Speaking on behalf of the veterans, the President of the Retired Army, Navy and Air Force Officers Association (RANAO), Major General H.A. Salihu (rtd.), expressed gratitude to the CDS.
He called on veterans to support the efforts of the leadership of the Armed Forces under Oluyede to improve the welfare of serving personnel and veterans.
The veterans also used the occasion to present other welfare concerns, which the CDS addressed, assuring them that the issues would continue to receive appropriate attention.
The engagement, attended by veteran leaders, including Major General L.P. Ngubane (rtd.) and Air Vice Marshal N.E. Nzokala (rtd.), provided a platform for frank dialogue and renewed confidence between the Defence Headquarters and the veterans.
