…Nigerian Legion, defence authorities set up committee to address veterans’ concerns
The Nigerian Legion (NL) has held a high-level stakeholders’ meeting with officials of the Ministry of Defence, Service Chiefs and other key stakeholders to discuss measures aimed at improving the welfare of military veterans across Nigeria.
The meeting, held in Abuja, brought together representatives of the Ministry of Defence, the three Armed Forces services, Nigerian Legion chairmen from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, former chairmen, retired military officers and other stakeholders in the defence and security sectors.
Discussions focused on strategic initiatives, including veterans’ welfare programmes, the Legion’s 2027 development agenda, appointments in the Corps of Commissionaires and other pressing challenges confronting retired military personnel.
In her opening remarks, the National Chairman of the Council of the Nigerian Legion, Morenike Grace Henry (JP), reaffirmed the Legion’s support for serving personnel of the Armed Forces and other security agencies.
“We, the veterans, are proud that the noble profession we left behind is in capable hands. The Army, Navy, Air Force and other security agencies are the present guardians of our nation’s peace. The Nigerian Legion will always stand with you and pray for your success and safety,” Henry said.
She explained that the meeting was convened at a crucial time to address veterans’ welfare, discipline, unity, economic empowerment of widows and the repositioning of the Nigerian Legion for greater relevance in national development.
“My office, as National Chairman, is committed to an all-inclusive leadership that serves and leaves no veteran behind,” she added.
Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher G. Musa, said the government was reviewing measures to strengthen the Nigerian Legion and improve the welfare of its members.
“We are looking at what can be done for the Nigerian Legion in its totality, and a committee has been set up to interface with the Nigerian Legion and the Corps of Commissionaires on how to improve the organisation,” Musa said.
Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, disclosed that recommendations had been made for an increase in benefits for retired personnel, which he said would be implemented soon.
He also announced efforts to facilitate access to Bank of Industry loans for veterans at a 10 per cent interest rate, as well as plans to launch an online shopping platform where retirees could purchase goods at discounted prices.
Oluyede assured veterans that funds meant for their welfare would be protected from misuse and urged members to verify information before circulating unsubstantiated claims.
He added that plans to establish medical centres for veterans across the country were progressing.
Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, said the Nigerian Navy would organise workshops and sensitisation programmes for veterans across naval formations and in Abuja to ensure they were adequately informed about available welfare packages.
“We are taking the issue of veterans very seriously,” Abbas said.
Similarly, Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, reaffirmed the Nigerian Air Force’s commitment to the welfare of retired personnel.
“One of our key duties is prioritising the welfare of veterans. We have opened a website where veterans can register and provide information on how they are faring. We will never relent in supporting them, and we are solidly behind them,” Aneke said.
The meeting concluded with stakeholders expressing commitment to sustained collaboration between serving military authorities and veterans, while the newly constituted committee is expected to examine outstanding welfare concerns and recommend measures to strengthen the Nigerian Legion.
Never miss a moment! Get the stories shaping Nigeria, delivered straight to your phone. Follow Peoplesdaily Newspaper on WhatsApp for breaking news, exclusive reports, and the headlines everyone will be talking about, before anyone else.
