The Federal Government has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to the welfare, well-being, and continued support of military veterans across the country in recognition of their invaluable sacrifices in safeguarding Nigeria’s sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity.
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume gave the assurance when he received the delegation of the National Council of the Nigerian Legion, led by its Chairman Grace Morenike Henry in Abuja.
The SGF emphasized that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains committed to improving the welfare of military veterans who have served the nation with courage, patriotism and distinction.
He noted that the government recognises the critical contributions of both serving and retired military personnel to the peace, stability, and development of Nigeria.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration is proud of the Nigerian military, both serving and retired. Their sacrifices have laid the foundation for the peace and stability we enjoy today. As a government, we remain committed to ensuring that our veterans are treated with dignity, respect, and the care they deserve,” the SGF said.
He assured the Council that the issues raised would receive careful consideration in consultation with relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies of Government.
He reiterated the commitment of the administration of President Bola Tinubu under the Renewed Hope Agenda, to policies that promote the welfare of those who have served the nation with honour and distinction.
In his welcome remarks, the Permanent Secretary, General Services Office, Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, said the current realities require a fresh assessment of the legislation, as the number of retired military personnel has grown significantly over the years, providing a strong base for the Nigerian Legion to fulfil its statutory mandate without the necessity of maintaining provisions that may no longer reflect present-day realities.
He stressed for continued collaboration between the Federal Government and the Nigerian Legion to advance policies that will improve the welfare of veterans, support the families of fallen heroes, and preserve the legacy of those who made the ultimate sacrifice in defence of Nigeria.
Dr. Kana who described military veterans as a critical national asset whose sacrifices and service to the nation deserve sustained recognition and support, recalled the historical evolution of the Nigerian Legion, noting that the organisation was originally established to cater for veterans of the Second World War before the Nigerian Legion Act was amended in 1977 to accommodate veterans of the Nigerian Civil War and those who participated in subsequent military operations at home and abroad.
Earlier, the Chairman of the National Council of the Nigerian Legion Grace Morenike Henry stated that reviewing and modernising the Nigerian Legion Act would preserve the institutional foundations of the Nigerian Legion while updating obsolete provisions to reflect present-day realities.
She appealed to the SGF to support legislative amendments that would strengthen the Act and reaffirm the Nigerian Legion as a strategic partner of government in veterans’ affairs.
Morenike further advocated the establishment of a dedicated Federal Ministry of Veterans Affairs to coordinate policies relating to veterans’ welfare, pensions, healthcare, rehabilitation, and reintegration. She noted that such an institution, in line with global best practices in countries such as the United States and the United Kingdom, would provide more effective and focused service delivery to retired military personnel.
Editor: Anoyoyo Ogiagboviogie
