Olufemi Oluyede, the Chief of Defence Staff, has pledged improved welfare conditions for Nigerian troops, unveiled plans for low-interest loans and expanded housing support as part of efforts to secure the well-being of serving and retired military personnel.
Speaking at the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day (AFCRD) Social Night in Abuja on Monday, an event organised by Defence Headquarters to honour serving personnel, veterans and fallen heroes, Oluyede said 2026 would usher in tangible welfare gains for troops across the country.
He told officers and soldiers to remain steadfast and hopeful, stressing that the welfare reform process was not a mere promise but an ongoing programme being implemented with presidential support.
“Positive changes are imminent. This year will bring better welfare conditions for our men and women in uniform,” the CDS said.
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Beyond the welfare of active-duty personnel, Oluyede said Defence Headquarters was also prioritising the long-term well-being of retired officers and soldiers, particularly the challenge of sustainable livelihoods after leaving service.
He disclosed that, with the approval of President Bola Tinubu, the Defence Headquarters is already engaging financial institutions to roll out special soft-loan schemes for the spouses of service personnel at highly reduced interest rates.
According to him, the initiative is designed to enable military families to establish viable businesses, promote financial stability and secure long-term income for households even after service.
The CDS further announced that talks are also ongoing to expand access to housing loans for military personnel, in addition to the existing housing schemes operated by the Army, Navy and Air Force.
The objective, he said, is to ensure that officers and soldiers retire with personal homes, steady sources of income and a sense of fulfilment after years of sacrifice to the nation.
Oluyede invoked the famous Liverpool FC anthem, “You’ll Never Walk Alone,” to reassure both serving and retired personnel that the Armed Forces leadership remains firmly behind them.
He praised the resilience, courage and professionalism of Nigerian troops operating across different theatres, from counter-terrorism operations in the northern savannahs to maritime security in the southern creeks and aerial missions across Nigeria’s airspace.
The CDS also paid tribute to military families, describing them as the “silent heroes” whose patience, prayers and sacrifices continue to sustain the morale and fighting spirit of the Armed Forces.
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Oluyede expressed deep appreciation to Tinubu for what he described as his unwavering commitment to strengthening the operational capacity, welfare and morale of the Armed Forces.
He also commended the Service Chiefs for their leadership and thanked the organisers of the AFCRD Social Night for staging an event that reflected unity, remembrance and appreciation for those who serve.
Earlier in his welcome address, Gideon Kachim, Chief of Defence Administration, said the Social Night was deliberately designed to give personnel a chance to unwind, reflect and celebrate while also honouring those who paid the supreme price in defence of Nigeria.
He said the sacrifices of fallen heroes remain a timeless source of inspiration to serving personnel across the Armed Forces.
Top military leaders in attendance included Waidi Shaibu, Chief of Army Staff, Idi Abbas, Chief of Naval Staff, Sunday Aneke, Chief of Air Staff, and E. Undiandeye. Chief of Defence Intelligence.
