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From Molly Kilete, Abuja
The Federal Government said it has intensified welfare reforms for serving and retired military personnel, with the payment of ₦18 billion in Group Life Insurance benefits and the establishment of a Veterans’ Databank and Call Centre.
Minister of Defence Mohammed Badaru, who made the disclosure, said the welfare initiatives formed part of the government’s “Soldier First” policy, aimed at improving morale, living conditions, and medical care for personnel and their families.
Badaru, at a media briefing on the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day, in Abuja, said, “Those who defend our nation deserve not only our gratitude but our concrete support.”
While noting that the new veterans’ databank would ensure efficient management of veteran affairs, while the call centre would provide direct support to retired officers and families of fallen heroes, the minister said plans [are underway] to review the Nigerian Legion Act to create a Veterans Federation of Nigeria (VFN) that would unify veterans’ welfare and advocacy efforts nationwide.
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Speaking on [the] welfare of troops, the Minister said welfare packages had been expanded to include the Debarment Allowance introduced recently, aimed to enhance medical coverage through Defence Health Maintenance Limited, and ongoing upgrades of barracks and medical facilities.
He also said the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) Act 2023 would also strengthen local production of uniforms, equipment, and essential supplies to support troops’ operational and welfare needs.
The minister used the occasion to unveil a new initiative tagged Reclaiming the Ungoverned Space for Economic Benefits (RUSEB-P), which will engage retired veterans in securing and rebuilding communities liberated from insurgents through farming, mining, and reconstruction and called on Nigerians to honour the sacrifices of service members, saying the welfare of troops and veterans was central to national stability and cohesion.
