FG Assures Retired Military Officers Of Prompt Payment Of Pension

The federal government has assured retired and retiring military officers of prompt payment of their pension and other entitlements.

It said retired military officers have sacrificed so much for the stability of the country, hence their pensions and other entitlements must not be delayed.

The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, said this late night on Tuesday, December 19, during a Regimental Dinner Night organized in honour of newly retired and retiring Nigerian Army senior officers at the Armed Forces Officers’ Mess Asokoro, Abuja.

At the event, one General, one Lieutenant General, 67 Major Generals and 44 Brigadier Generals bowed out of the Nigerian Army, after meritorious and dedicated service without blemish to the nation.

The minister urged the retirees to take a break and reflect appropriately on the next phase of life. He saluted the retirees and expressed the nation’s gratitude for their exemplary service, love for country and commended their spouses for their perseverance.

Badaru charged members of the Armed Forces to remain loyal and sustain the culture of supporting democracy in Nigeria and across the shores, adding that the disposition of the Armed Forces towards democracy had made it a shining example in West Africa and an influencer in the comity of nations.

The minister said the occasion provided the Nigerian Army the opportunity to reflect on its service and profound dedication as demonstrated by the retired and retiring senior officers.

He said the experiences and skills garnered while in service and respect for diversity, which he said has been their working principles throughout their career, would provide them a veritable platform as they exit the service.

He noted that the Federal Government will continue to do all within its reach to improve the well- being of serving and retired personnel.

Speaking at the occasion, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja enjoined the retired senior officers to appreciate God and the Nigerian Army for a successful sojourn in the noble profession of arms’ and attaining the point of meritorious disengagement from active service.