CDS Reaffirms Commitment to Veterans’ Welfare, Unveils Low-Interest Loan Scheme
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, has reaffirmed the commitment of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to improving the welfare of retired military personnel, including plans to introduce low-interest loans to support their post-service businesses.
General Oluyede gave the assurance on Friday, November 13, 2026, during an interactive engagement with military veterans from the South-South geopolitical zone at Cathelea Convention and Suites, Benin City, Edo State.
The CDS explained that the meeting was part of his initiative to engage directly with retired military personnel, listen to their concerns and address issues relating to their welfare, administration and post-service challenges.
He described the engagement as an important platform for strengthening relations between serving military leadership and retired personnel, noting that the experience and professional contributions of veterans remain valuable to national defence and security.
General Oluyede emphasised that the welfare of veterans and their families would continue to receive attention, urging retired personnel to remain worthy ambassadors of the Armed Forces of Nigeria in their respective communities.
He also disclosed that the military was making efforts to acquire modern operational platforms and force enablers, some of which had already started arriving in the country to strengthen military operations.
On veterans’ welfare, the CDS revealed plans to facilitate low-interest loans through the Bank of Industry to enable retired military personnel to establish and expand businesses after leaving service.
He further highlighted ongoing improvements in medical services, including the expansion of the military hospital in Abuja, with a percentage of its facilities reserved for veterans.
According to him, efforts are also underway to establish dedicated military medical facilities in each of the six geopolitical zones to improve veterans’ access to healthcare.
During the interactive session, participants raised concerns bordering on gratuity computation, pension administration and access to medical services, which the CDS addressed.
In his remarks, the Chairman, Board of Trustees of the Retired Army, Navy and Air Force Officers’ Association (RANAO), Colonel Tony Ogbomo (Rtd), commended General Oluyede for prioritising the welfare of retired military personnel and their families.
He particularly appreciated the proposed establishment of dedicated veterans’ hospitals across the six geopolitical zones and the planned low-interest loan scheme.
The engagement forms part of the CDS’s nationwide consultations with military veterans. Similar meetings have recently been held with veterans from the South-West and North-Central geopolitical zones, with engagements expected to continue across the country.
