By Chimezie Godfrey
The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, yesterday stressed that sustainable welfare for military veterans must be supported by clear policy frameworks, predictable funding and strong institutional coordination.
He stated this while receiving the Chairperson, National Council of the Nigerian Legion, Ms Grace Morenike Henry, at the Army Headquarters, Abuja.
According to the COAS, the credibility of a professional military extends beyond operational effectiveness to the dignity accorded to retired personnel.
“The sacrifices of our officers and soldiers must be matched with resilient post-service support systems that reflect national gratitude and strategic foresight,” he said.
Shaibu noted that advanced military institutions worldwide operate comprehensive veterans’ welfare systems backed by legislation and budgetary guarantees, urging Nigeria to strengthen its existing mechanisms.
He further positioned veterans as strategic assets capable of contributing to governance, legislative processes and national security discourse.
The Army Chief encouraged constructive engagement with the National Assembly, including the Senate and House of Representatives, to pursue legislative reforms that would institutionalise veterans’ welfare.
He also advised retirees to document and publish their professional experiences to preserve institutional memory and generate sustainable income.
Earlier, Ms Henry outlined key structural challenges confronting veterans, including low public awareness of the Legion’s mandate and the lack of a dedicated budget line for veterans’ affairs within the national appropriation framework.
She advocated the establishment of a fully funded ministry dedicated exclusively to veterans’ affairs to ensure policy clarity, institutional coherence and consistent funding.
The engagement reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to a holistic and policy-driven approach to veterans’ welfare anchored on legislative support and fiscal responsibility.