Government Allocates N134 Billion Retirement Allowance for Ex-Military Personnel

The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, has made a significant announcement concerning the allocation of funds for security debarment allowance to military veterans by the Federal Government.

This allocation, totaling a substantial N134,749,953,243.69, signifies the government’s unwavering commitment to the well-being of veterans who have served the nation in the Armed Forces of Nigeria. The phased rollout of the Security Debarment Allowance, which previously excluded veterans, commenced in January 2023.

This noteworthy declaration was made during the ministerial briefing for the 2024 Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration. Minister Badaru, during this event, underscored the government’s dedication to the welfare of veterans and the intention to provide them with the support they rightfully deserve.

In his own words, he expressed, “To demonstrate our commitment to veterans’ welfare, the FG has approved the sum of N134,749,953,243.69 for security debarment allowance. By this, all veterans who retired/discharged honorably from the services of the Armed Forces of Nigeria will reap this benefit. Our service personnel and veterans deserve the best, and the best they will get.”

This significant allocation is a testament to the value placed on the service and sacrifice of those who have served in the nation’s military. It represents a step forward in recognizing the contributions of veterans and addressing their needs for financial support in their post-service lives.

Moreover, beyond this financial commitment to veterans, Minister Badaru also emphasized the government’s resolve to bolster the capabilities of the country’s armed forces to combat the prevailing security challenges. He underscored the importance of providing the necessary hardware, equipment, and training to the military to effectively curb insecurity in the country.

Minister Badaru articulated this point by stating, “The successes recorded by our armed forces have only served as encouragement to persevere until victory is finally assured, and all our displaced citizens return home. We, therefore, look forward to adopting a proactive approach to combating our security challenges by harnessing our intelligence resources and having strong partnerships with our West African neighbors.”

This focus on providing the military with the essential resources and support they need to combat security threats effectively is expected to reduce the number of casualties experienced by the Nigerian army when engaging terrorists and armed bandits. The intention is to equip the armed forces with the necessary combat capabilities, training, and equipment, ultimately minimizing casualties due to military operations.

Minister Badaru also expressed hope that the government’s commitment and the President’s dedication to resolving security challenges swiftly would come to fruition. The government’s proactive approach and its emphasis on intelligence gathering and cooperation with neighboring West African nations reflect a comprehensive strategy to address security issues effectively.

Moreover, the Minister of Defence took a moment to acknowledge and applaud the significant efforts put forth by the military in their relentless pursuit of national security and stability. He acknowledged the sacrifices made by Nigerian troops in protecting the lives and properties of citizens. In his words, “The Armed Forces of Nigeria has risen to these challenges, not counting the costs in terms of ultimate sacrifice being paid by our troops. For this reason, I can say the situation is gradually improving considering where we were before now.”

Minister Badaru’s remarks highlight the dedication of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and the sacrifices they make in ensuring the safety and security of the country’s citizens. The recognition of their efforts, as well as the commitment to addressing the challenges they face, underscores the government’s pledge to safeguard the nation and provide support to those who have served it faithfully.

In summary, the announcement of substantial financial support for military veterans and the government’s commitment to equipping the armed forces effectively in the fight against insecurity reflect the government’s dedication to both its retired and active service personnel. These measures seek to honor the service and sacrifice of military personnel while addressing the pressing issue of national security. Minister Badaru’s address serves as a testament to the government’s resolve to create a safer and more secure environment for all Nigerians.