Army Launches Welfare Reform Drive For Pre-Retirement Soldiers

In a renewed bid to equip its personnel for life beyond military service, the Nigerian Army has commenced a major reform of its welfare and retirement transition programs.

This bold initiative is in line with the Soldier First philosophy of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede.

The announcement was made on Monday, 4 August 2025, at the opening ceremony of the Third Quarter Year 2025 Veteran Affairs Pre-Retirement Training/Business Development Seminar, held at the Nigerian Army School of Finance and Accounts (NASFA), Arakan Cantonment, Apapa, Lagos.

Represented by Major General Thanks Numbere, Commander Corps of Engineers, the COAS reiterated the Army’s unwavering commitment to the physical, psychological, and economic well-being of its personnel before and after active duty.

The week-long seminar, themed “Building Resilience of Personnel/Veterans for Thriving in Post-Retirement Life”, is designed to provide military personnel with the tools, mindset, and exposure needed to successfully transition into civilian life.

Chief of Administration (Army), Major General LA Fejokwu, represented by Major General Tamunobere Opuene, emphasized the seminar’s critical role in shaping a purposeful post-retirement journey for officers. Similarly, General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division, Major General Farouk Mijinyawa, praised the initiative as timely and impactful.

The opening day featured expert-led presentations, souvenir distribution, and photo sessions with participants, marking a significant chapter in the Nigerian Army’s evolving welfare strategy.

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By Folake Sokoya