The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, has reaffirmed his commitment to improving the welfare of military veterans and their families, highlighting plans for low-interest loans, expanded medical services and other support initiatives during an engagement with retired military personnel from the South-South region.
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Key Highlights
- CDS General Olufemi Oluyede reaffirms his commitment to improving military veterans’ welfare.
- Low-interest loans through the Bank of Industry are planned to support veterans’ businesses.
- The military hospital in Abuja is being expanded to include services for veterans.
- Dedicated medical facilities for veterans are planned in each geopolitical zone.
- Veterans raised concerns about pensions, gratuities and access to medical care.
General Oluyede gave the assurance on Friday, November 13, 2026, during an engagement meeting and interactive session with military veterans from the South-South geopolitical zone. The event was held at Cathelea Convention and Suites in Benin City, Edo State.
The CDS explained that the meeting was part of his initiative to interact directly with retired military personnel and address issues relating to their welfare, administration and post-service concerns.
He described the forum as an important platform for strengthening cooperation and encouraging constructive discussions. According to him, the Armed Forces of Nigeria can benefit from the experience and professional expertise of retired personnel when making decisions on veterans’ administration and welfare.
General Oluyede stressed that the welfare of veterans and their families deserves continuous improvement. He also urged retired military personnel to remain good ambassadors of the Armed Forces of Nigeria in their respective communities.
The CDS further briefed the veterans on ongoing efforts to acquire modern military platforms and force enablers. He disclosed that some of the equipment had already started arriving in the country and was expected to improve military operations.
CDS Announces Welfare Initiatives for Veterans
On veterans’ welfare, General Oluyede disclosed plans to introduce low-interest loans through the Bank of Industry to help retired military personnel establish and grow businesses after leaving service.
He also highlighted improvements in medical services, including the expansion of the military hospital in Abuja, with a percentage of its facilities reserved for veterans.
In addition, he said efforts were ongoing to establish dedicated medical facilities for veterans in each of the six geopolitical zones to improve access to healthcare across the country.
The interactive session provided an opportunity for veterans to present concerns relating to gratuity computation, pension matters and access to medical services, among other issues. The CDS addressed the concerns raised during the meeting.
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RANAO Commends CDS Over Veterans’ Welfare Plans
In his vote of thanks, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Retired Army, Navy and Air Force Officers’ Association (RANAO), Colonel Tony Ogbomo (Rtd), expressed appreciation to the CDS for his continued attention to the welfare of military veterans and their families.
Ogbomo particularly commended the proposed establishment of at least one dedicated military hospital for veterans in each geopolitical zone, as well as the planned low-interest loan scheme to support retired personnel in setting up and expanding businesses.
The engagement forms part of efforts by the Chief of Defence Staff to strengthen veterans’ welfare while drawing on the knowledge and experience of retired military personnel to support national defence and security.
The CDS had previously held similar engagements with veterans from the South-West and North-Central geopolitical zones. The meetings are expected to continue across the country.
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