By Osaretin Osadebamwen
The Federal Government has assured retired military personnel that all outstanding entitlements and approved pension increases will be fully paid, as the Nigerian Legion appealed to veterans to remain calm and pursue dialogue over their welfare concerns.
The National Chairman of the Nigerian Legion, Morenike Grace Henry, gave the assurance on Thursday while responding to the concerns of retired military personnel who protested in Abuja over demands for pension adjustments and other outstanding benefits.
Henry commended the veterans for their peaceful conduct and their decision to call off the protest, urging them to remain patient as the government works to resolve the issues surrounding their entitlements.
In a statement signed by the Chief Information Officer, Mr. David Henry, the National Chairman of the Nigerian Legion, said “I write to you today, commending your matured and peaceful conduct and the decision to call off the public protest. I strongly appeal to all veterans to remain patient with the Federal Government.”
According to her, the Nigerian Legion understands the economic difficulties and anxiety surrounding veterans’ welfare but believes that dialogue remains the best approach to resolving the issues.
“Federal Government has given its firm assurance that all outstanding entitlements and the approved pension increases will be fully paid. The Federal Government holds veterans in the highest esteem. The state treats our overall welfare as a matter of national priority,” she said.
The Legion chairman said the sacrifices made by members of the armed forces would not be forgotten, adding that the government was working to complete the administrative processes required to clear outstanding payments.
“You have sacrificed your youth for the peace of this nation, and that sacrifice is not forgotten,” Henry said.
“Please be assured that behind the scenes, the Federal Government is actively working to resolve all administrative processes and ensure that every single entitlement due to our veterans is cleared.”
Beyond pension and financial entitlements, Henry said the government was also prioritising the healthcare needs of veterans, particularly those who suffered injuries during military service.
She disclosed that the Ministry of Defence and the Nigerian Legion were seeking strategic partnerships and international support to significantly improve the health status of war-wounded veterans.
According to her, specialised interventions are being established to provide prosthetic limbs for amputees, hearing aids for veterans with auditory impairments, corrective eye surgeries for those with visual ailments, as well as wheelchairs and other mobility aids for physically challenged veterans.
Henry urged retired military personnel to remain disciplined, orderly and law-abiding, recalling that those values were part of their military training.
She also cautioned veterans against allowing their community to be used by individuals seeking to cause civil unrest.
“Change and relief are on the way,” she assured the veterans.
She thanked the pensioners for their continued loyalty, dedication and patience, while reaffirming the Legion’s commitment to veterans’ welfare.
“God bless the Nigerian Veteran. God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” she concluded.
