CDS assures military retirees of pension increase

Chief of Defence Staff Gen Olufemi Oluyede has assured military retirees that consequential pension increases are forthcoming whenever the salaries and emoluments of serving personnel are adjusted. This assurance was given during an interaction with military veterans from the North-East Zone in Yola, Adamawa State, following a protest in Abuja over the failure to implement pension adjustments stemming from recent salary increases for active duty personnel.

The protest was suspended after Defense Minister Gen Christopher Musa (retd.) assured the veterans their demands would be addressed. Oluyede stated that the ongoing salary review for serving personnel is all-inclusive and already in progress, and that it will result in consequential increases for veterans' pensions in line with existing policies.

Oluyede reaffirmed the Defence Headquarters' commitment to improving the welfare and dignity of retired military personnel and their families, and highlighted several initiatives, including collaborating with the Bank of Industry to provide low-interest loans for business ventures by serving and retired personnel and their families.

The ongoing construction of the Defence Hospital will also reserve a percentage of its patronage for veterans, all backed by President Bola Tinubu's support for measures to appreciate the sacrifices made by serving and retired military personnel.