MPB Chairman Pledges Prompt, Seamless Pension Payments for Military Retirees

MPB Chairman Pledges Prompt, Seamless Pension Payments for Military Retirees

The new Chairman of the Military Pensions Board (MPB), Major General Julius Ehioze Osifo, has pledged to reposition the Board to ensure prompt, seamless and less bureaucratic payment of pensions, gratuities, arrears and death benefits to retired and discharged Armed Forces personnel and the next-of-kin (NOK) of deceased military personnel.

Major General Osifo made the pledge on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, during his formal assumption of office at the Board’s handing-over and taking-over ceremony. He assured military retirees and families of fallen personnel that their welfare would remain a top priority under his leadership.

The new Chairman said his administration would focus on ensuring that eligible beneficiaries receive their entitlements promptly and with minimal bureaucratic hurdles, while maintaining strict measures to guarantee that payments reach only legitimate beneficiaries.

“My mission statement will be anchored on leading a Board that will prioritise all ways and means to ensure payments are prompt, accessed with seamless ease, less cumbersome and less bureaucratic, but with an overriding commitment to ensuring only the rightful recipients get their due entitlements,” he stated.

He added that veterans and families of deceased military personnel would have cause to smile under his leadership.

To achieve these objectives, Major General Osifo identified the deployment of modern technology, proactive identification of beneficiaries in collaboration with the Services, timely processing of benefits and stronger engagement with relevant stakeholders as key priorities.

He also pledged to strengthen the capacity of the Board’s personnel through practical, results-oriented training while promoting high ethical and professional standards in pension administration.

“My desired end state is to reposition the MPB to be technically proficient towards the optimisation of my vision of prompt and seamless payments to veterans and families of fallen heroes,” he said.

On staff welfare, the Chairman emphasised the importance of maintaining a supportive working environment that would enable military and civilian personnel to improve their skills and contribute effectively to the Board’s mandate.

He assured staff of fairness and equal opportunities, while urging them to demonstrate commitment, dedication and professionalism in the discharge of their duties.

“While I demand your commitment and dedication to duty, I assure you that as your commander, I will be fair and equitable to all. I will provide a level playing field and strive to create an environment for all to enhance their capacity and fully develop their potentials,” he stated.

Major General Osifo brings extensive experience in military finance, administration and strategic leadership to his new assignment. Before his appointment, he served as Director-General of the Nigerian Army Finance Corporation and previously worked as Deputy Director of Accounts at the Military Pensions Board in 2018.

His other appointments include Registrar, Deputy Commandant and Commandant of the Nigerian Army School of Finance and Administration; Director of Finance at the Nigerian Armed Forces Resettlement Centre, Oshodi; and pioneer Chief J8 of Joint Task Force Operation HADIN KAI in Maiduguri.

Between 2012 and 2015, he served as Deputy Defence Attaché at the Embassy of Nigeria in Washington, DC, where he contributed to efforts to strengthen defence relations between Nigeria and the United States.

Academically, the new Chairman holds a bachelor’s degree in Economics, a master’s degree in Economics from the University of Jos and a PhD in Finance. His doctoral research examined defence budgeting and military operational capacity in Africa, using Nigeria as a case study.

He also attended Senior Executive Course 39 at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, and has undertaken research on defence finance and terrorism, presenting his findings at international forums.

In addition, Major General Osifo serves as an adjunct professor at the University of Ibadan’s Institute of Peace, Security and Humanitarian Studies, where he teaches conflict management, security, defence finance and budgeting. He is also a Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Management, among other professional affiliations.

Acknowledging the contributions of his predecessors, the Chairman pledged to build on the foundations they had laid and called on military officers, soldiers and civilian staff of the Board to work together towards achieving its objectives.

Describing the task of repositioning the Board as a collective responsibility, he said, “All hands must be on deck for the actualisation of my vision.”

Major General Osifo expressed appreciation to the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, for the confidence reposed in him, as well as the Chief of Defence Staff and the Minister of Defence for supporting his appointment.

He pledged to justify the confidence placed in him through dedication and commitment to service.

The Military Pensions Board is responsible for administering pension-related benefits to eligible military retirees and beneficiaries. Under the new leadership, the Board is expected to intensify efforts to improve service delivery and ensure that those who served the nation, alongside the families of personnel who paid the supreme sacrifice, receive their entitlements with dignity and respect.

Signed: Aliyu Mohammed Squadron Leader Public Relations Officer Military Pensions Board

MPB Chairman Pledges Prompt, Seamless Pension Payments for Military Retirees