CDS Reaffirms Commitment to Welfare, Dignity of Military Veterans
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, has reaffirmed the commitment of the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) to the welfare, dignity and continued relevance of Nigeria’s military veterans.
General Oluyede gave the assurance on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, when the National President of the Retired Army, Navy and Air Force Officers Association, Major General Hussaini Abayomi Salihu (Rtd), led members of the association on a courtesy visit to the Defence Headquarters in Abuja.
The visit provided an opportunity for the newly constituted executive committee of the association to formally engage with the CDS, who is also the Chief Patron of the association, and strengthen cooperation between the Defence Headquarters and the community of retired military officers.
Speaking during the visit, Major General Salihu said the delegation was at the Defence Headquarters primarily to familiarise itself with the CDS following the assumption of office by the new executive committee and to foster closer engagement with military authorities.
He commended General Oluyede for his deliberate efforts to maintain engagement with veterans across the six geopolitical zones, while expressing appreciation for the warm reception accorded the delegation.
The National President also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, for measures aimed at improving the welfare of serving personnel, particularly the recent salary adjustments and their implications for retired military personnel.
Major General Salihu subsequently presented several requests aimed at strengthening the welfare and socio-economic relevance of retired military officers. Among them was the establishment of a comprehensive database of association members to enable organisations and companies to easily access the expertise and experience of qualified retired officers.
CDS Assures Veterans of Continued Support
Responding, General Oluyede thanked the retired officers for their service, sacrifices and contributions to Nigeria’s security and development.
The CDS reaffirmed his determination to discharge his responsibilities as Chief Patron of the association and work closely with veterans to address issues affecting their welfare within existing government policies and institutional frameworks.
On concerns surrounding recent salary adjustments and their implications for retired personnel, General Oluyede assured the delegation that the ongoing process was comprehensive and inclusive.
He explained that implementation was already underway and noted that, in accordance with government policy, adjustments to the emoluments of serving personnel have consequential implications for the pensions and benefits of retired personnel.
The CDS also highlighted initiatives being pursued by the Defence Headquarters to improve the quality of life of veterans and their families.
One of the initiatives is the ongoing collaboration between the DHQ and the Bank of Industry (BOI) to facilitate access to low-interest loans for business ventures. The programme is intended to support serving and retired military personnel, as well as their families, in establishing and expanding sustainable businesses.
According to the CDS, the initiative forms part of broader efforts to promote economic empowerment, self-reliance and improved welfare among military personnel and veterans.
General Oluyede assured the delegation that the Defence Headquarters would continue to explore practical measures and strategic partnerships capable of improving the welfare of retired military personnel.
He stressed that those who dedicated their lives to serving the nation deserved continued institutional support, respect and dignity in retirement.
The engagement further underscores the Defence Headquarters’ commitment to maintaining a strong and enduring relationship with Nigeria’s military veterans while ensuring that their welfare remains an important component of the Armed Forces’ institutional priorities.
CDS Reaffirms Commitment to Welfare, Dignity of Military Veterans