Defence Chief Pledges Improved Welfare for Nigerian Troops at Armed Forces Celebration

By Zainab Uzomah

Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, has said the military is implementing new welfare reforms for service personnel, with support from the highest levels of government.

Speaking at the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day (AFCRD) Social Night in Abuja, General Oluyede told troops that the reforms were ongoing and aimed at improving living conditions for both serving and retired members of the Armed Forces. The event, organised by Defence Headquarters, was held to celebrate personnel, honour veterans and remember fallen soldiers.

The CDS urged troops to remain hopeful, saying 2026 would bring “positive changes” to their welfare. He added that the Defence Headquarters was also focused on addressing post-retirement challenges, including access to sustainable livelihoods.

According to a statement issued by Defence spokesperson Major General Samaila Uba, General Oluyede revealed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had approved engagements with financial institutions to create soft loan schemes for the spouses of service personnel. The loans, he said, would support small business ventures, promote family stability and strengthen long-term economic wellbeing.

He also announced efforts to expand access to housing loans to complement existing service-level housing schemes, with the goal of ensuring personnel retire with their own homes and secure income sources after active service.

Drawing from football culture, General Oluyede reassured personnel with Liverpool FC’s motto, “You’ll Never Walk Alone,” promising that the military leadership remained committed to supporting all troops and veterans. He praised personnel operating across the country’s various theatres for their resilience and professionalism, and paid tribute to military families whom he described as “silent heroes.”

The event also featured remarks from the Chief of Defence Administration, Rear Admiral Gideon Kachim, who said the Social Night was designed to allow personnel to unwind while providing a moment to honour those who died in service.

Senior military leaders, including the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu; Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla Abbas; Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke; and Chief of Defence Intelligence, Lieutenant General Emmanuel Undiandeye, attended the event.

Musicians Tuface Idibia, Zule Zoo and Magnito were among the performers who entertained troops during the celebration..