New MPB Chair Assumes Command, Pledges Prompt Payment Of Benefits

The new Chairman of the Military Pensions Board (MPB), Maj.-Gen. Julius Ehioze Osifo, on Wednesday, 21 October 2026, assumed command with a pledge to remove bureaucratic bottlenecks, deploy technology and accelerate the payment of pensions, gratuities and death benefits to retired and discharged military personnel and the next-of-kin (NOK) of deceased service members.

He warned that delays in the payment of death benefits to families of soldiers killed in action could undermine troop morale and dishonour the sacrifices of fallen military personnel,

Osifo said inefficient administration that denied families their entitled benefits could weaken the fighting spirit of troops engaged in counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations.

The chairman spoke during the handover and takeover ceremony between him and his predecessor, Air Vice Marshal Mikhail Abdulraheem, at the MPB Headquarters in Abuja.

Drawing from his operational experience in Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) in the North East, Osifo said the military’s responsibility to its personnel extended beyond their years of active service to ensuring that their families were adequately catered for after their death.

“From my personal experience in OPHK, I can tell you outright that inefficient administration leading to default in payments of benefits to NOK of kill-in-action (KIA) personnel not only diminishes the sacrifices of our gallant soldiers, but also dishonours the memory of those killed in action and demoralises the fighting spirit of those in combat,” he said.

He added that military personnel who retired or were discharged after meritorious service also deserved prompt payment of their entitlements.

Osifo said the country’s worsening security situation, characterised by insurgency and terrorism in the North East, banditry in the North West and North Central, separatist violence in the South East, and militancy and oil theft in the South South, had increased the deployment of troops on operational duties.

According to him, the sacrifices of personnel confronting these threats must be matched by an efficient pension administration system that guarantees prompt payment of entitlements to veterans and the families of fallen heroes.

He said his administration would prioritise the timely processing and payment of benefits while ensuring that legitimate beneficiaries received their entitlements without unnecessary delays.

“My mission statement will be anchored on leading a Board that will prioritise all ways and means to ensure payments are prompt, accessed with seamless ease, less cumbersome, less bureaucratic, but with an overriding commitment to ensuring only the rightful recipients get their due entitlements,” he said.

Osifo assured military veterans and the families of deceased personnel that his administration would work to improve their access to benefits and reduce the difficulties associated with processing claims.

To achieve this, he said the board would adopt modern technology, strengthen collaboration with the military services to proactively identify beneficiaries, and accelerate the processing of pensions, gratuities, and death benefits.

He also pledged to deepen engagement with the Defence Headquarters, service headquarters, the Ministry of Defence, relevant National Assembly committees, the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation and the Ministry of Finance to improve coordination and facilitate the payment process.

The chairman said the capacity and welfare of the board’s military and civilian personnel would also receive attention, stressing that a well-trained and motivated workforce was essential to delivering efficient services.

He promised to uphold high ethical and professional standards, strengthen training and ensure fairness in the treatment of personnel.

“The challenge to reposition the Board is a collective responsibility. In view of this, I implore all officers, servicemen and women and civilian staff to brace up for the enormous task ahead. All hands must be on deck for the actualisation of my vision,” he said.

Osifo thanked the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, for his appointment. He also acknowledged the roles of the Chief of Defence Staff and the Minister of Defence in approving his nomination.

The new chairman commended his predecessors for laying the foundation for the board’s development and paid tribute to Abdulraheem, his immediate predecessor and coursemate, for his service.

He pledged to build on the achievements of previous administrations and reposition the board to provide prompt and efficient financial services to military retirees and the families of deceased personnel.

The outgoing Chairman, Air Vice Marshal Mikail Abdulraheem, urged board personnel to sustain teamwork, discipline and innovation to improve the welfare of military pensioners and their next-of-kin.

Abdulraheem said the board’s mandate transcended individual leadership, stressing that its success depended on the collective commitment of its personnel to the welfare of retired military personnel and their beneficiaries.

“As I hand over leadership today, I urge you all to extend the same cooperation, respect and commitment to my course mate. Give him your support, share your ideas freely, and continue to work as one team,” he said.

“The mandate of this Board is bigger than any individual, and its success depends on our ability to remain united and focused on the welfare of our military pensioners and their Next-of-Kin.”

He thanked officers, men and women, as well as the board’s civilian staff, for their cooperation, dedication and support during his tenure.

He attributed the achievements recorded under his leadership to their collective efforts, professionalism and willingness to work towards common goals.