In a significant development for military retirees, Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, has confirmed that they will receive consequential increases in their pensions in line with salary adjustments for active personnel. This assurance was made during a meeting with military veterans in Yola, Adamawa State, following a protest by retirees in Abuja demanding immediate pension adjustments.

The protest, which took place at the Ministry of Defence, was marked by a heavy security presence as retired military personnel expressed their dissatisfaction over the lack of implementation of pension adjustments linked to recent salary increases for serving members of the armed forces. The retirees specifically called for corresponding pension increases after the latest salary adjustments were announced earlier this month, set to take effect in September.

Following the demonstration, the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (retd.), addressed the veterans, promising that their concerns would be taken seriously and that steps would be taken to address their demands. In a statement released by the Director of Defence Information, Major Samila Uba, General Oluyede emphasized that the ongoing salary review for serving personnel would also benefit veterans through consequential pension adjustments.

General Oluyede stated, "In line with extant policies, adjustments to the emoluments of serving personnel have a consequential increase to the pensions of veterans." He reiterated the commitment of the Defence Headquarters to enhance the welfare of retired military personnel and their families.

In addition to pension adjustments, the Chief of Defence Staff highlighted several initiatives aimed at improving the quality of life for veterans. These include collaborations with the Bank of Industry to provide low-interest loans for business ventures accessible to both serving and retired personnel and their families. Furthermore, he announced that the ongoing construction of the Defence Hospital would allocate a portion of its services specifically for veterans.

These initiatives have received the backing of President Bola Tinubu, who has allocated resources to support measures that honor the sacrifices made by military personnel. During the engagement, veterans raised various welfare concerns, all of which General Oluyede assured would be addressed appropriately.

Maj-Gen. H.A. Salihu (retd.), President of the Retired Army, Navy and Air Force Officers Association, expressed gratitude on behalf of the veterans, urging them to support the military leadership's efforts to enhance the welfare of both serving and retired personnel. In his closing remarks, General Oluyede paid tribute to the sacrifices of the veterans, stating, "The uniform may have been taken off, but the nation’s gratitude will never fade."