The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, has assured officers and men of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) that far-reaching reforms aimed at improving their welfare are underway and already receiving backing at the highest levels of government.
General Oluyede gave the assurance while addressing personnel at the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day (AFCRD) Social Night in Abuja, organised by the Defence Headquarters to honour serving personnel, veterans and fallen heroes.
According to a statement signed by the Director, Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, the CDS urged troops to remain resolute and hopeful, assuring them that 2026 would usher in tangible improvements in welfare conditions across the Armed Forces.
He noted that the Defence Headquarters was not only focused on the welfare of serving personnel but also deeply concerned about the wellbeing of retired officers and men, particularly in the area of sustainable livelihoods after retirement.
With the approval of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the CDS disclosed that the Defence Headquarters is engaging financial institutions to provide soft loan schemes for spouses of service personnel at reduced interest rates, aimed at supporting viable businesses, promoting family stability and guaranteeing long-term income for military families.
General Oluyede also revealed ongoing efforts to expand access to housing loans to complement existing service housing schemes, with the goal of ensuring that personnel retire with personal homes, steady sources of income and a sense of fulfilment after years of service.
Drawing inspiration from Liverpool Football Club’s famous anthem, “You’ll Never Walk Alone,” the CDS assured troops that the Armed Forces leadership remains firmly committed to standing by both serving and retired personnel.
He commended officers and men for their resilience, courage and professionalism across all theatres of operation, from the northern savannahs to the southern creeks and Nigeria’s airspace. He also paid tribute to military families, describing them as “silent heroes” whose sacrifices, patience and prayers sustain the morale of the Armed Forces.
General Oluyede expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for his unwavering support in strengthening the welfare, morale and operational capacity of the military, while also commending the Service Chiefs for their leadership.
Earlier, the Chief of Defence Administration, Rear Admiral Gideon Kachim, said the Social Night was designed to allow personnel to relax, reflect and celebrate, while also honouring fallen heroes whose sacrifices continue to inspire the Armed Forces.
The Social Night formed part of activities marking the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day and was attended
