By Rita Elenwo
The federal government of Nigeria has approved over 134 billion naira as security debarment allowance for retired military officers.
Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru made this disclosure at the ministerial briefing on the 2024 Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration.
According to him, the approval is a demonstration of the government’s commitment to veterans’ welfare, adding that a phased implementation of the Security Debarment Allowance for the hitherto excluded veterans commenced in January 2023.
He said, “To demonstrate our commitment to veterans welfare the FG has approved the sum of N134,749,953,243.69 for security debarment allowance. By this, all veterans who retired/discharged honourably from the services of the Armed Forces of Nigeria will reap this benefit. Our service personnel and veterans deserve the best, and the best they will get.”
He pledged that the government would train and equip the armed forces personnel with combat capabilities, and modern wares to reduce casualties during operations.
The minister said, “The successes recorded by our armed forces have only served as encouragement to persevere until victory is finally assured and all our displaced citizens return home. We, therefore, look forward to adopting a proactive approach to combating our security challenges by harnessing our intelligence resources and having strong partnerships with our West African neighbours.
“The Federal Government will also continue to equip the armed forces with combat capabilities, training and equipment to reduce to the barest minimum casualties due to operations. We are indeed hopeful that the pledge and focus of Mr President to bring an end to all security challenges quickly will be realised.”
He said the country had been battling serious internal security challenges for over a decade, which had its stretched resources and the armed forces.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria has risen to these challenges, not counting the costs in terms of ultimate sacrifice being paid by our troops. For this reason, I can say the situation is gradually improving considering where we were before now.”
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