The Federal Government, in collaboration with the Nigerian Legion, has concluded plans to develop affordable housing estates for military veterans as part of broader efforts to improve post-service welfare and ensure a dignified retirement for former service personnel.
The initiative is designed to prevent situations where retired soldiers, sailors, and airmen are left without stable accommodation after years of service to the nation.
National Chairman of the Nigerian Legion, Ms Grace Henry, disclosed this on Thursday in Abuja while speaking with journalists on the sidelines of activities marking the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day.
According to her, the housing scheme forms part of a restructured Legion framework focused on long-term welfare support for veterans, widows, and their families.
“We do not want our people to retire and have nowhere to go,” Henry said. “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 noted that recent improvements in veterans’ welfare, particularly in pension administration, had eased tensions and reduced public 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 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day as more than a ceremonial event, explaining that its expansion into a week-long programme had helped strengthen public appreciation of the sacrifices made by both fallen and living members of the Armed Forces.
She said the extended programme had also increased awareness of the need for sustained institutional support for military families, especially after active service.
Meanwhile, Chairman of the Ministerial Committee on Military Veterans’ Welfare, Air Commodore Femi Oguntuyi (retd), said the committee was actively engaging the Federal Government on key welfare challenges affecting ex-servicemen.
Oguntuyi explained that priority areas under review include the veterans’ salary structure, access to quality medical care for disabled personnel, and the equitable payment of post-service entitlements.
He acknowledged that while progress had been gradual, discussions with relevant government agencies were ongoing and expected to result in measurable improvements in veterans’ living conditions nationwide.
