By Miriam Humbe
The Federal Government has assured that it is committed to addressing the welfare, remuneration and pension concerns of military veterans as the issues they raised were receiving the attention of relevant authorities.
The assurance followed a courtesy visit by representatives of military veterans to the Ministry of Defence at Ship House, Abuja, on Wednesday.
This was contained in a statement signed on Wednesday by the Director, Information and Public Relations, Ministry of Defence, H.O. Ogubike.
The statement said that the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd), acknowledged the immense sacrifices and distinguished service rendered by Nigeria’s military veterans.
The Minister, who was represented at the engagement by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Mr Richard Pheelangwah, reaffirmed that the welfare of veterans remained a priority of the Federal Government.
Ogubike further disclosed in the statement that General Musa said concerns relating to wage and pension adjustments were receiving urgent attention, with relevant military, pension and financial authorities being engaged to achieve a fair, sustainable and implementable resolution.
He quoted the Minister as appealing to the veterans for calm, patience and constructive engagement, stressing that sustained dialogue remained the most effective means of resolving outstanding concerns while preserving the dignity, honour and mutual respect befitting those who had served the nation.
The Director said that the Minister further explained that any adjustment to veterans’ entitlements must be properly computed, adequately funded and implemented in accordance with extant approvals, regulations and due process.
According to him, the Minister said such measures were necessary to guarantee sustainability and prevent unintended disparities in the implementation of veterans’ entitlements.
Ogubike added that General Musa assured the veterans that the Ministry would sustain engagement with their representatives and provide appropriate updates as progress was made towards resolving the issues raised.
The Director quoted the Minister as reiterating that the Federal Government deeply valued the patriotism, courage and sacrifices of Nigeria’s military veterans.
“He remains committed to ensuring that their service to the nation is recognised not only in words, but through sustained attention to their welfare and legitimate entitlements,” Ogubike stated.
