CDS Oluyede Reaffirms Commitment to Veterans’ Welfare, Assures on Pension Adjustments
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, has reaffirmed the unwavering commitment of the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) to the welfare, dignity and wellbeing of Nigeria’s military veterans.
General Oluyede gave the assurance on Thursday, 20 August 2026, during an interactive engagement with veterans from the North-East Zone in Yola, Adamawa State. The meeting formed part of a series of zonal consultations being organised by the Defence Headquarters to engage veterans across the country and address issues affecting their welfare.
Addressing concerns raised over the recent salary adjustments for serving military personnel and their implications for veterans, the CDS assured participants that the process was inclusive and ongoing.
He explained that, in accordance with existing government policies, adjustments to the emoluments of serving personnel have a consequential effect on the pensions of retired personnel.
General Oluyede further highlighted several initiatives being undertaken by the Defence Headquarters to improve the welfare of veterans, serving personnel and their families.
Among them is an ongoing collaboration with the Bank of Industry (BOI) to facilitate access to low-interest loans for business ventures by serving and retired military personnel and their families.
He also disclosed that construction of the Defence Hospital is ongoing, with a portion of its services to be made available to veterans.
According to the CDS, the initiatives have received the support and approval of the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who has deliberately provided resources to advance programmes aimed at appreciating the sacrifices of serving and retired members of the Armed Forces.
The veterans used the interactive session to present additional concerns regarding their welfare and entitlements. General Oluyede listened to the issues raised and assured them that they would continue to receive appropriate attention from the Defence Headquarters.
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 creating the platform for direct engagement and urged veterans to support the ongoing efforts by the Armed Forces leadership to improve the welfare of serving personnel and retirees.
“The Uniform May Have Been Taken Off, But Our Gratitude Will Never Fade”
In his closing remarks, General Oluyede paid tribute to the veterans for their years of service and sacrifices in defending Nigeria’s sovereignty and protecting its citizens.
He stressed that retirement from the military does not diminish the nation’s appreciation for those who served.
“The uniform may have been taken off, but the nation’s gratitude will never fade.”
The CDS assured the veterans that the Defence Headquarters, working under the Ministry of Defence, would continue to pursue measures aimed at improving their welfare and that of their families.
He emphasised that Nigeria would continue to cherish the service, courage and sacrifices of its military veterans who dedicated their lives to keeping the country safe.
The Yola engagement provided an opportunity for frank discussions between the military leadership and veterans, while reinforcing the commitment of the Defence Headquarters to ensuring that those who served the nation are not forgotten after leaving active service.
CDS Oluyede Reaffirms Commitment to Veterans’ Welfare, Assures on Pension Adjustments