Former military Head of State, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, has called for improved funding and stronger welfare support for Nigerian military veterans and the families of soldiers who died in active service.
Babangida made the appeal when the National Chairman of the Nigerian Legion, Morenike Henry, led members of the organisation’s leadership on a courtesy visit to his residence in Minna, Niger State.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Friday in Abuja by the Legion’s Media Officer, Oloriegbe David.
During the meeting, Babangida acknowledged the concerns raised by the Legion and assured the delegation that he would engage relevant authorities to explore possible solutions to the welfare challenges affecting veterans across the country.
The former military president also praised the leadership of the Nigerian Legion for its efforts in advancing the recognition and welfare of retired military personnel.
He stressed that the sacrifices made by veterans in defending the country should never be ignored.
Earlier in her remarks, Henry outlined several pressing challenges faced by veterans, including inadequate medical support, insufficient funding for healthcare services, and the economic difficulties confronting widows of soldiers who died while serving the nation.
She appealed for financial assistance equivalent to five to six months’ salary for widows of fallen soldiers to enable them establish small businesses and improve their livelihoods.
Henry noted that many soldiers join the military at a young age and often face limited support systems after retirement or death during active service.
The Legion chairman also renewed her advocacy for the creation of a dedicated Ministry of Veterans Affairs that would provide structured and sustainable support for retired military personnel.
In a separate engagement, the Chief of Defence Intelligence, Emmanuel Undiandeye, cautioned the leadership of the Legion against staging protests in pursuit of their demands.
Undiandeye commended the proposal to establish a Ministry of Veterans Affairs and emphasised the need for transparency in the management and utilisation of funds meant for veterans’ welfare.
He urged the Legion’s leadership to focus on programmes that would directly improve the living conditions of retired military personnel.
The defence intelligence chief further stressed that constructive engagement with government authorities remains the most effective strategy for securing funding and policy support.
In response, the Legion chairman expressed gratitude to the Chief of Defence Intelligence for supporting the successful hosting of the Nigerian Legion Council meeting.
What you should know
Nigerian Legion is the official body representing retired members of the Nigerian Armed Forces and families of fallen soldiers.
The organisation advocates for improved welfare, healthcare, and economic support for veterans across the country.
In recent years, the Legion has intensified calls for the creation of a Ministry of Veterans Affairs to ensure dedicated government policies and funding for the well-being of retired military personnel and their dependants.
