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A new technology-driven initiative designed to ease the cost of living for serving and retired military personnel and their families is set to commence on October 1, following a partnership between Konga e-commerce Group and the Defence Headquarters.
The initiative, known as the Defence Discount Scheme (DDS), will give eligible personnel access to discounted prices on essential goods through Konga’s online platform.
Unlike schemes focused on a single category of products, the platform will cover everyday needs ranging from food and other fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) to smartphones, computers, household appliances, automobiles and renewable energy products.
The partnership was unveiled in Abuja at an event attended by the country’s top military leadership, government officials and representatives of Konga and its parent company, Zinox Group.
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede; Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas; Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke; and Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, were among the senior military officers at the event.
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, who was special guest of honour, described the initiative as an example of how technology and private-sector partnerships could be used to support the welfare of citizens serving the country.
“This platform demonstrates how technology and strategic partnerships can be harnessed to deliver practical benefits to citizens who have dedicated themselves to the service and security of the nation,” Akume said.
The scheme comes at a time when household expenses have become a major concern for Nigerian families, with the organisers positioning the discounts as a way of providing practical relief to military personnel and their dependants.
Under the arrangement, the Defence Headquarters’ authentication and verification system has been integrated with Konga’s platform to determine eligible beneficiaries.
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This means access to the special prices will be restricted to verified serving and retired military personnel.
A live demonstration at the launch showed how eligible personnel would authenticate their status and access the discounted products through Konga.
Speaking on behalf of the Chairman of Zinox Group, Leo Stan Ekeh, the group’s General Manager, Business Development, Reginald Obiakor, said the company was committed to using technology to develop practical solutions capable of improving lives.
He also acknowledged the contribution of members of the Armed Forces to national security, describing the partnership as an opportunity for Zinox and Konga to support their welfare.
The initiative extends Konga’s e-commerce infrastructure beyond conventional retail, bringing a dedicated consumer benefit programme to a defined group of Nigerians.
Konga, which became part of Zinox Group in 2018, has since expanded its operations across online and physical retail channels.
Zinox Group has also implemented initiatives aimed at expanding access to technology, including its Computerise Nigeria campaign, through which it has partnered with government agencies, educational institutions and private organisations to provide subsidised computers to students, teachers, civil servants and small business owners.
For the Defence Discount Scheme, the company is combining its e-commerce infrastructure with the Defence Headquarters’ verification system to create what it described as a technology-enabled welfare platform.
The scheme is expected to go live on October 1, when eligible military personnel and their families will be able to access the discounts across multiple product categories on Konga.
