Former Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Gen. Lucky Irabor (Rtd) has called for exceptional support for wounded and disabled veterans to accelerate personnel morale and effectiveness.
He also advocated tax and appreciation rebates on all local lights and public transportation for veterans.
He said, “All active-duty and veterans should be given reasonable rebates on all local flights and movements in public transportation systems. Attempts on this programme in the past have not been well coordinated and disparate in execution. It would be necessary to fashion out a more enduring programme to achieve the programme.
“The ongoing discourse around the recent Tax Reform Bill should have provisions institutionalising tax rebates for veterans.”
Irabor made the call while delivering a lecture titled “Armed Forces Celebration and National Development” at the Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day 2025 Lecture and Art Exhibition on Tuesday in Abuja.
The event organised by the Defence Headquarters was part of activities lined up to commemorate the 2025 celebration.
According to him, the plight of servicemen and women who were wounded or disabled leaves a heartbreaking tale in the minds of everyone, including those still in service.
He said, “This could indirectly demoralise serving personnel. It could even make veterans feel depressed about the possible regrets of patriotic services rendered to the nation.
“To redress this, it is suggested that exceptional support could be organised for better care of wounded and disabled active-duty and retired military personnel.
“I am aware of the ongoing construction of the Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder facility and the Invictus Games project.
“It is very essential that these projects are completed, fully furnished,
well-equipped and adequately manned, sustained and well-publicized for the benefit of the Armed Forces.
“The projects will also improve the perception of the Federal Government and the nation in general as a grateful people for patriotic services rendered,” he said.
Irabor also called for a comprehensive healthcare programme for veterans, adding that their quality of life had depreciated daily despite inflationary trends.
According to him, even with prompt payment of monetary entitlements, the value pales when healthcare-related issues are tied to the disposable income of the veteran.
He said that the current Defence Healthcare Insurance policy for personnel was not comprehensive and did not cover many ailments and medical cases.
The former defence chief said that a special-purpose vehicle for comprehensive veterans‘ health care would be invaluable in addressing the challenge.
He suggested that an appreciation programme should be instituted to help develop a citizen‘s culture of expressing gratitude to service personnel to become part of public life.
He said that prompt payments of entitlements to serving and retired personnel were critical to the morale and survival of personnel to avoid the ugly sights of veterans’ protests.
This, according to him, could also potentially engender feelings of resentment in active duty personnel, especially seeing the despicable treatment meted out to veterans.
He also called for establishing affordable housing schemes and foundations for veterans with special needs.
He said, „The housing needs for personnel after service are vast and daunting. Although the various Services have developed programmes to assist personnel, the outcome has not relieved the financial burden on the men. The cost implications of the Services could have been a significant challenge in executing the welfare programme.
To redress this issue, a coordinated unique programme by the Federal Government to subsidise the cost of owning affordable houses by personnel should be instituted.
I suggested a 10-year counterpart funding plan for all personnel to own a house in place of their choice, which could be a starting point. The recent effort of the Nigerian Army leadership to address the housing needs of serving personnel through the Affordable Home Ownership Option for All Soldiers (AHOOAS) Scheme should also be sustained.
He continued, „The Federal Government could establish foundations and encourage the private sector, philanthropists, and other public-spirited individuals to donate to the cause of veterans with special needs. The Foundation could be managed and monitored by a Board representing veterans.“
In his closing remarks, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, thanked the former defence and service chiefs for their contributions to the discussion.
Musa promised to ensure judicially utilisation of the funds allocated to the military, pledging to work hard to ensure the return of peace to all parts of Nigeria.
