Nigeria Legion promises affordable housing estates, better welfare for veterans

The Nigerian Legion has pledged to work with the Federal Government to establish affordable housing estates for military veterans as part of efforts to ensure a smooth and dignified transition from active service to retirement.

The National Chairman of the Legion, Ms Grace Henry, made the promise on Thursday in Abuja in an interview with newsmen during the Wreath Laying Ceremony to mark the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day.

Henry said the housing initiative was aimed at ensuring that no retired service personnel was left without a home after years of dedicated service to the nation.

“We do not want our people to retire and have nowhere to go.

“We are creating a new Legion framework where veterans, widows and their families can have a place to live and a sense of belonging,” she said.

The legion chairman said welfare conditions for veterans and widows had improved in recent months, noting that pension payments were now more regular, leading to a significant reduction in street protests by retired personnel.

“For the past six months, we have not had our members on the streets again. Pensions are now being paid as and when due, and this has brought relief to widows and veterans,” she added.

Henry described the AFCRD as a comprehensive initiative that honoured fallen heroes while also celebrating serving and retired personnel.

She said the expansion of the former Armed Forces Remembrance Day into a week-long celebration had helped to deepen public awareness of the sacrifices of the Nigerian Armed Forces and the need for sustained support for their families.

Also speaking, retired Air Commodore Femi Oguntuyi, Chairman of the five-man Ministerial Committee on Military Veterans’ Welfare, said the committee was engaging the government on critical welfare concerns affecting veterans.

Oguntuyi said priority areas included the review of veterans’ salary structure, improved medical care for disabled ex-servicemen and equitable payment of post-service entitlements.

He said although progress had been gradual, the committee remained optimistic that ongoing engagements would yield tangible improvements in the living conditions of veterans nationwide.

Also, the Minister of Defence, retired Gen. Christopher Musa, described the wreath laying ceremony as a solemn occasion that calls for sober reflection.

Musa said the annual event was modified in 2025 into a week-long activity known as Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance.

“We now celebrate those who are alive and remember those who have passed on. I believe that makes it very comprehensive,” he said.