By Tunji Braimoh, Abuja

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Gwabin Musa, has reaffirmed the commitment of the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) to improving the welfare and well-being of military veterans across the country.

General Musa made the pledge on Thursday during an interactive session with veterans from the North-East geopolitical zone held in Yola, Adamawa State. The meeting was the second in a series of zonal engagements designed to strengthen communication between the military leadership and retired personnel.

Addressing concerns raised over the implementation of salary increases, the CDS assured the veterans that the process is comprehensive and inclusive. He explained that the salary review for serving personnel is currently being implemented and noted that, in line with existing regulations, any adjustment in the remuneration of serving members of the Armed Forces would have a corresponding impact on the pensions and benefits of retired personnel.

The Defence Chief also outlined several initiatives being pursued by the Defence Headquarters to enhance the welfare of veterans and their families. He disclosed that the military is collaborating with the Bank of Industry to provide serving and retired personnel, as well as their dependants, access to low-interest loans to support business ventures and economic empowerment.

He further revealed that the ongoing construction of the Defence Hospital includes provisions that will ensure veterans benefit from a designated percentage of the hospital’s services. According to him, the welfare programmes have received the full support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, who has made resources available to improve the welfare of both serving and retired military personnel in recognition of their sacrifices to the nation.

The veterans also used the forum to present additional welfare concerns and challenges affecting retired personnel. In response, the CDS assured them that the Defence Headquarters would continue to give due attention to issues affecting veterans and seek practical solutions to their concerns.

The engagement brought together veteran leaders, including the President of the Retired Army, Navy and Air Force Officers Association of Nigeria (RANAO), Major General HA Salihu (rtd), alongside Major General LP Ngubane (rtd) and Air Vice Marshal NE Nzokala (rtd). The meeting provided an opportunity for frank discussions and strengthened confidence between the military leadership and retired personnel.

Speaking on behalf of the veterans, the RANAO President commended the CDS for initiating direct consultations with retired officers and urged veterans to support the ongoing efforts of the Armed Forces leadership to improve the welfare of both serving and retired personnel.

In his closing remarks, General Musa paid tribute to veterans for their dedication, courage and sacrifices in defence of Nigeria. He emphasized that although they are no longer in active service, their contributions to national security remain invaluable and will never be forgotten.

The CDS assured the veterans that the Defence Headquarters, working in collaboration with the Ministry of Defence, would continue to pursue policies and programmes aimed at enhancing their welfare, stressing that the nation would always remain grateful to those who served and sacrificed to safeguard its peace, unity and security.