Nigerian Legion Pledges Affordable Housing Estates, Better Welfare For Ex-Servicemen

The Nigerian Legion has pledged to work with the Federal Government to establish affordable housing estates for military veterans as part of efforts to ensure a smooth and dignified transition from active service to retirement.

The national chairman of the Legion, Ms. Grace Henry, made the promise on Thursday in Abuja during an interview with journalists on the sideline of the Wreath Laying Ceremony to mark the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day (AFCRD).

Henry said the housing initiative was aimed at ensuring that no retired service personnel was left without a home after years of dedicated service to the nation.

“We do not want our people to retire and have nowhere to go.

“We are creating a new Legion framework where veterans, widows, and their families can have a place to live and a sense of belonging,” she said.

The legion chairman said welfare conditions for veterans and widows had improved in recent months, noting that pension payments were now more regular, leading to a significant reduction in street protests by retired personnel.

“For the past six months, we have not had our members on the streets again. Pensions are now being paid as and when due, and this has brought relief to widows and veterans,” she added.

Henry described the AFCRD as a comprehensive initiative that honoured fallen heroes while also celebrating serving and retired personnel.

She said the expansion of the former Armed Forces Remembrance Day into a week-long celebration had helped to deepen public awareness of the sacrifices of the Nigerian Armed Forces and the need for sustained support for their families.

Also speaking, Air Commodore Femi Oguntuyi (Rtd), chairman of the five-man Ministerial Committee on Military Veterans’ Welfare, said the committee was engaging the government on critical welfare concerns affecting veterans.

Oguntuyi said priority areas include the review of veterans’ salary structure, improved medical care for disabled ex-servicemen, and equitable payment of post-service entitlements.

He said that although progress had been gradual, the committee remained optimistic that ongoing engagements would yield tangible improvements in the living conditions of veterans nationwide.

Also, the Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (Rtd), described the wreath laying ceremony as a solemn occasion that calls for sober reflection.

Musa said the annual event was modified in 2025 into a week-long activity known as Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance.

“We now celebrate those who are alive and remember those who have passed on. I believe that makes it very comprehensive,” he said.

He reaffirmed the importance of honouring Nigeria’s fallen soldiers, wounded personnel, serving officers, and their families, noting that the nation owes them continued appreciation and support.

He said, “It is always important to appreciate those who have made sacrifices — those who lost their lives, their family members, those who were injured, and those who are still serving. It is a comprehensive effort we undertake together to appreciate them and encourage them by reminding them that Nigerians face challenges, Nigerians love them, Nigerians are praying for them, and that we need to support them.

“If you recall, even the name has been changed. It is no longer only the Armed Forces Remembrance Day. Now, we have a week-long programme of activities.

“It is now the Armed Forces Celebration, where we celebrate those who are alive and remember those who have passed on. I think that is very comprehensive.”