After protest, CDS assures military retirees of consequential pension rise

Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Gen. Olufemi Oluyede has assured military retirees that consequential increases in their pensions will follow whenever salaries and emoluments of serving military personnel are adjusted. This assurance was made in Yola, Adamawa State, during a meeting with North-East zone military veterans, following a day of protest at the Ministry of Defence in Abuja.

The protesters demanded corresponding pension increases after the recent August salary adjustment for serving personnel, set to take effect in September. The protest was halted after the Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (retd.), assured the veterans that their demands would be met. The CDS emphasized that the ongoing salary review for serving personnel is inclusive, with the implementation already underway.

He stated that adjustments to serving personnel's emoluments will result in consequential increases to veterans' pensions. The Defense Headquarters is implementing measures to improve veteran welfare, such as collaborating with the Bank of Industry for low-digit loan access and reserving funds for veterans at the new Defence Hospital.

The initiatives have President Bola Tinubu's backing. Veterans also shared other welfare concerns during the meeting, which the CDS pledged to address. Gen. H.A. Salihu (retd.), President of the Retired Army, Navy and Air Force Officers Association, thanked the CDS and encouraged retired personnel to support military efforts to enhance welfare. Oluyede praised the veterans for their sacrifices in defending the country.