Nigerian Defence Academy Alumni Advocates for Better Welfare of Retired Security Personnel

Members of the Nigerian Defence Academy 35 Regular Course have voiced their concerns about the welfare of retired personnel from various security agencies. They are calling for a review of the Armed Forces Pension Act to address these issues.

During the 40th anniversary celebration of the course in Abuja, Air Cdre Emmanuel Golit (retd), the immediate past president of the association, highlighted the potential dangers of neglecting retired security personnel. He emphasized that their valuable skills acquired during their service could make them susceptible to becoming tools in the hands of criminal groups if they are left to struggle with poverty.

Golit stated, “The military is the foundation of any nation-state. Without security, nothing thrives. Industries won’t function, parliaments won’t exist. It is the duty of the government to ensure the welfare of security agency members, especially since their skills can be utilized and paid for by insurgents.”

He further stressed the importance of preventing retired personnel from selling their skills to criminal or non-state actors. Golit urged the government to regularly review the welfare conditions and make necessary updates to the Nigerian Armed Forces Act, which has remained unchanged since the 1970s, to better support retired armed forces members.

Golit also highlighted that in many countries, retired personnel are often engaged in various government services even after their active service. He called for similar opportunities to be provided in Nigeria, emphasizing that it would benefit both the government and citizens, ultimately contributing to a safer nation.

The newly elected president of the association, Air Cdre Danladi Bausa (retd), expressed gratitude to the Chief Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, and the Minister of Defence, Abubakar Badaru, for their efforts in improving the welfare of retirees. He acknowledged the steps taken by the current administration to address these concerns.

Various groups, including the Coalition for Concerned Veterans and Civil War veterans, have previously demanded improved welfare and timely payment of pensions and gratuities for retired security personnel.