The Ministry of Defence has announced plans to enhance the welfare, skills, and national relevance of military veterans across Nigeria.
Speaking at the 2026 National Council Meeting of the Nigerian Legion in Abuja, the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, represented by his Special Assistant on Technical Matters, retired Rear Adm. Atiku Abdulkadir, said the ministry is coordinating closely with the Legion’s leadership to reposition veterans for post-service employment and community impact.
“All initiatives being undertaken by the Legion’s National Chairperson have full support from the Ministry of Defence,” Matawalle said.
The ministry has identified the significant skills and expertise of retired personnel and those nearing retirement. Plans are underway for a structured audit and placement framework to document competencies and facilitate job opportunities beyond active service.
“We are trying to organise in such a way that we will have an audit and placement for retirees. Even beyond service life, the ministry intends to support placement for skilled retirees,” Matawalle stated.
Efforts are also ongoing to improve personnel skills and certifications before disengagement, boosting employability and self-reliance. The minister assured that salaries, pensions, and other emoluments are being paid regularly and that complaints are promptly addressed.
On concerns such as scholarships for orphans of fallen heroes and housing challenges for retirees, Matawalle acknowledged existing gaps but described them as “work in progress.” The ministry is compiling a register of eligible beneficiaries and collaborating with Defence Headquarters to ensure proper support.
Regarding agricultural support for veterans, the ministry plans to audit interested retirees across states and collaborate with governors to provide assistance to veterans engaged in farming.
Pension administration reforms have improved processing timelines, with documentation now beginning 90 days before retirement to ensure timely payments.
Matawalle also disclosed that discussions are ongoing on how to better integrate the Nigerian Legion into the country’s security framework, though some details remain classified.
Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, represented by the Director of Veteran Affairs, Maj.-Gen. Olufemi Williams, emphasized the Legion’s ongoing role in mentorship, community engagement, and support for disabled veterans and dependents of fallen heroes.
The CDS announced that the Skill Acquisition Training for Veterans (SAT-V) programme will commence in March 2026 across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones. The initiative aims to equip veterans with skills to navigate current economic realities while enhancing their well-being and contribution to national development.
