By Joyce Ekeh
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, has unveiled plans to introduce low-interest loans for retired military personnel and establish dedicated hospitals for veterans across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones as part of renewed efforts to improve their welfare.
Oluyede disclosed this on Friday, November 13, 2026, during an engagement and interactive session with military veterans from the South-South geopolitical zone at Cathelea Convention and Suites, Benin City, Edo State.
The CDS said the initiatives were designed to address the post-service challenges confronting retired military personnel, particularly access to affordable healthcare and financial support for businesses after retirement.
He explained that the proposed loan scheme, to be facilitated through the Bank of Industry, would provide veterans with access to low-interest funding to establish or expand businesses and achieve financial independence after leaving active service.
On healthcare, Oluyede disclosed plans to establish at least one dedicated military hospital for veterans in each geopolitical zone, while efforts were also ongoing to expand existing medical facilities to accommodate their needs.
He specifically highlighted the expansion of the military hospital in Abuja, with a percentage of its facilities and services reserved for veterans.
The CDS reaffirmed the Armed Forces’ commitment to improving the welfare of retired personnel and their families, stressing that their sacrifices and exemplary service to the nation must continue to receive recognition and attention.
He described the engagement as an opportunity to interact directly with veterans, listen to their concerns and obtain feedback on issues affecting their welfare, administration and post-service lives.
According to him, the meeting would also strengthen collaboration between serving military authorities and retired personnel, whose wealth of experience and professional expertise remain valuable to national defence and security.
Oluyede said the forum provided a veritable platform for constructive interaction and enhanced synergy, which would enable the Armed Forces to make informed decisions on veterans’ administration and welfare.
He urged the veterans to remain worthy ambassadors of the Armed Forces of Nigeria in their respective communities, notwithstanding their retirement from active service.
The CDS also briefed the gathering on ongoing efforts to strengthen the operational capacity of the military through the acquisition of modern platforms and force enablers.
He disclosed that some of the newly acquired equipment had started arriving in the country and were expected to significantly enhance military operations.
The interactive session provided an opportunity for the veterans to raise concerns bordering on gratuity computation, pension-related matters, access to medical services and other post-retirement challenges.
The CDS promptly addressed the issues raised, reinforcing his administration’s commitment to ensuring that the concerns of retired personnel receive appropriate attention.
In his vote of thanks, the Chairman, Board of Trustees of the Retired Army, Navy and Air Force Officers’ Association (RANAO), Colonel Tony Ogbomo (rtd), commended Oluyede for his sustained commitment to the welfare of military veterans and their families.
Ogbomo particularly applauded the proposed establishment of dedicated military hospitals for veterans across the six geopolitical zones, describing the initiative as an important step towards addressing their healthcare needs.
He also welcomed the planned low-interest loan scheme through the Bank of Industry, noting its potential to support veterans in establishing and expanding businesses after retirement.
A statement by the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, said the engagement underscored the CDS’s determination to strengthen veterans’ welfare while harnessing the experience of retired military personnel for improved national defence and security.
The statement recalled that Oluyede had held similar interactive engagements with veterans from the South-West and North-Central geopolitical zones, adding that the exercise would continue across the country.
The latest engagement forms part of broader efforts by the Defence Headquarters to deepen communication with retired personnel and ensure that their contributions to national service are matched with improved welfare and post-retirement support.
