Odita Sunday 
By Odita Sunday
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, has assured military veterans that the ongoing review of the salaries of serving personnel will translate into increased pensions for retirees, in line with existing government policies.
Oluyede gave the assurance on Thursday, August 20, 2026, during an interactive engagement with veterans from the North East geopolitical zone in Yola, Adamawa State.
The engagement, the second in a series of zonal consultations with veterans across the country, provided an opportunity for retired military personnel to raise concerns over their welfare and other issues affecting them and their families.
Addressing concerns about the salary increment, the CDS said the exercise was all-inclusive and that its implementation was already ongoing.
He explained that adjustments to the emoluments of serving personnel would have a consequential effect on the pensions of veterans, in accordance with extant policies.
Oluyede also disclosed a number of initiatives being pursued by the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) to improve the welfare of veterans and their families.
He said the DHQ was collaborating with the Bank of Industry to facilitate access to low-digit loans for business enterprises for serving and retired personnel, as well as their families.
The CDS further disclosed that construction of the Defence Hospital was ongoing, adding that a percentage of its patronage would be reserved for veterans.
According to him, the initiatives had received the backing of the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, HE Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who had provided resources to drive the programmes in recognition of the sacrifices of serving and retired personnel.
The veterans also presented other welfare concerns during the meeting, which the CDS assured them would continue to receive appropriate attention.
The engagement was attended by veteran leaders led by the President of the Retired Army, Navy and Air Force Officers Association (RANAO), Major General HA Salihu (rtd), Major General LP Ngubane (rtd) and Air Vice Marshal NE Nzokala (rtd).
Speaking on behalf of the veterans, the President of RANAO expressed appreciation to the CDS and urged veterans to support the efforts of the Armed Forces leadership under General Oluyede to improve the welfare of serving personnel and veterans.
In his closing remarks, Oluyede paid tribute to the veterans for their sacrifices in defending the nation, stressing that although they had taken off the uniform, the nation’s gratitude for their service would never fade.
He assured them that the Defence Headquarters, under the umbrella of the Ministry of Defense, would continue to work towards improving their welfare.
He said Nigeria would continue to cherish the service, courage and sacrifices of those who served to keep the nation safe.
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