The Federal Government will continue to priotise the welfare of military veterans.
The Minister of Defence, Alhaji Mohammed Abubakar, made this known while briefing newsmen on the 2025 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebration in Wednesday in Abuja.
Represented by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr Abubakar Kana, the minister said the ministry had established Veterans’ Skills Acquisition Centres and Agricultural Development Support Programmes as part of welfare programmes .
According to him, there is a plan to establish seven Skills Acquisition Centres, one in each Geopolitical Zone and Abuja, with the construction of a new centre at Takum in Taraba,
“I am happy to inform you that the provision for additional Skills Acquisition Centres at the Geopolitical Zones is being worked-out for inclusion in the 2025 budget of the ministry.
“These centres, when operational would enable our veterans, widows and dependents of fallen heroes acquire skills that would support their families and consequently take many of those that are unemployed off the streets.” he said.
Abubakar further said that tractors and other farm implements would be provided to revive and expand the capacity of the Nigerian Legion Farms across the country.
On pension administration, the minister said the Military Pensions Board (MPB) had continued to ensure the regular payment of pensions to retirees,
He added that verification exercises were being carried out periodically by the board to ensure that only eligible pensioners were on the payroll.
Other measures have been introduced to cut out wastages and sharp practices with Next- of-Kins (NOKs) of pensioners sign undertakings to communicate the death of the pensioner or indemnify the Board for any payments made afterwards,’’ he said.
Abubakar, however, assured that the Federal Government is committed to implement the increments arising from reviews of pensions.
“The MPB and the Ministry of Defence have continued to interface with the veterans to ensure that communication gaps are reduced to avoid restiveness.
“The issue of payment of Security Debarment Allowance (SDA) to veterans who were excluded by the commencement date of the Scheme has been resolved.
He also said that the Ministry would soon address some concerns issues raised by the veterans with regards to the SDA.
The Minister disclosed that the Veterans Federation of Nigeria Bill was being pursued with a view to amend the Nigerian Legion Act that would provide adequate improvement in the welfare and well-being of veterans.
On the Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebration, the minister said, is organised annually to serve as honour to the nation’s departed heroes who paid the supreme price for peace.
“It also serves as an appreciation to the surviving veterans, serving personnel of our armed forces as well as raise funds to support the widows and dependents of fallen heroes.
“Several activities such as humanitarian activities, launching of Emblem by the President, Jummat and Interdenominational Church service, had been lined up,” Abubakar said.
He said the celebration would be concluded with the Laying of Wreath by the President and other dignitaries at the National Arcade, Abuja on Jan.15, 2025. (NAN)
