The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, has assured personnel of the Armed Forces of Nigeria of an improve welfare packages this year.
He said that concrete measures are being taking at the highest level of government to ensure improvement in soldiers overall welfare.
General Oluyede disclosed this Monday night in Abuja while addressing soldiers and families at the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day (AFCRD) Social Night, a special event organised by the Defence Headquarters to honour serving personnel, veterans and remember the fallen heroes.
Oluyede, therefore, urged military personnel to remain resolute, hopeful and steadfast, as an improved welfare were imminent.He assured that this year 2026 would usher in an enhance.welfare conditions for members of the Armed Forces.
He said that beyond the welfare of serving personnel, the Defence Headquarters is also deeply concerned about the wellbeing of retired officers and men, particularly the challenge of obtaining sustainable job engagement after retirement.
The CDS explained that with the approval and support of the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Defence Headquarters is engaging financial institutions to ease the difficulty by providing soft loan schemes for spouses of service personnel at highly reduced interest rates.
Therefore , he urged personnel to remain hopeful, and that positive changes were imminent and that 2026 would be a better year for the Armed Forces.
The CDS also announced ongoing engagements to expand access to housing loans to complement existing service housing schemes, with the goal of ensuring that personnel retire with personal homes, sustainable sources of income, and a sense of fulfilment after years of service to the nation.
General Oluyede who raised a wide-range issues paid glowing tribute to fallen heroes and veterans, says their sacrifices is the foundation upon which the country and Armed Forces stand.
He commended serving personnel for their resilience and professionalism across all theatres of operation—from the northern savannahs to the southern creeks and Nigeria’s airspace.
He also acknowledged military families, as “silent heroes” whose patience, prayers, and sacrifices continue to sustain the fighting spirit of the Armed Forces.
The Chief of Defence Administration, Rear Admiral Gideon Kashim, had earlier said in his welcome address that the Social Night is a special and deliberate gathering designed to provide an opportunity for personnel to unwind, reflect, and celebrate the courage, dedication, and professionalism of officers and men who continue to serve Nigeria with loyalty and sacrifice.
He said the occasion also serves as a solemn moment to honour and remember fallen heroes who paid the supreme price in the defence of the nation, stressing that their sacrifices remain a lasting source of inspiration to serving personnel.
According to him , the true strength of the Armed Forces lies not only in weapons or strategy, but in the shared bonds, values, and collective resolve that unite personnel as one family.
The Social Night offers a welcome break from the rigours of duty and allow personnel to relax, reconnect, and appreciate one another’s contributions to national peace, security, and stability.