President Muhammadu Buhari has approved one hundred and thirty-four point seven billion Naira for the payment of Security Debarment Allowance (SDA) to all veterans.
The President also announced the donation of N10 million to the Nigerian Legion, on behalf of the Federal Government, at the launch of the 2023 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Emblem and Appeal Fund.
Speaking at the occasion, which preceded the meeting of the Federal Executive Council, (FEC), the President pledged the Federal Government’s commitment to the welfare of veterans by ensuring prompt payment of their pension and other entitlements, which had been demonstrated by his approval of the payment of SDA to veterans with effect from 2017.
‘‘However, to capture all veterans hitherto excluded from the payment of the SDA, I have approved a review of the effective date of the Manual of Financial Administration for the Armed Forces of Nigeria, (MAFA), 2017.
‘‘Accordingly, I have also approved the sum of One Hundred and Thirty-Four Billion, Seven Hundred and Forty-Nine Million, Nine Hundred and Fifty-Three Thousand, Two Hundred and Forty-Three Naira, Sixty-Nine Kobo (N134,749,953,243.69), only, for that purpose,’’ he said.
President Buhari also expressed delight that Defence Health Maintenance Limited is living up to expectations in providing healthcare services to the veterans, noting the expansion of the reach of their services, through the establishment of Zonal and State offices.
He promised that government would continue to prioritise the provision of quality healthcare services to veterans and citizens at large.
The President also used the occasion to commend the efforts of the Nigerian Armed Forces in confronting banditry, kidnappings, molestations and killing of innocent citizens head-on, saying that these ‘‘vices alien to our culture’’ are on the decline.
He also noted that normalcy is gradually returning to some affected parts of the country due to the methodical approach and increasing military campaign to decimate subversive elements involved in destructive activities such as ‘‘ in the insurgency in the North East, militancy in the Niger Delta,’’ as well as ethnic and religious tensions in some communities.
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He assured Nigerians that his government will continue to reposition and strengthen all security agencies, to enable them to surmount the security challenges in the country.
He called on business enterprises to appreciate the sacrifice of servicemen and gallant troops, by extending support to them, in the form of discounts and rebates, upon purchases and services rendered, saying this would act as a morale booster to members of the Armed Forces, and assist them in carrying out their statutory responsibilities.
On the 2023 emblem, the President explained that it remains a symbol of remembrance and a beacon of hope for a peaceful future, with the unspoken message to the fallen heroes that their sacrifice was noble for the greater good of our fatherland.
President Buhari also encouraged all to donate generously, in support of the veterans and dependants of the fallen heroes.
(Editor: Ifeanyi Mark)
