DHQ Plans Soft Loans, Housing Support for Military Families
The Defence Headquarters has unveiled plans to introduce soft loan schemes and expand housing support for military families as part of ongoing efforts to improve the welfare of serving and retired personnel of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, disclosed this on Sunday in Abuja while speaking at the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day Social Night organised by the Defence Headquarters.
Oluyede said the welfare reforms, which have received approval and backing from the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, are aimed at ensuring that officers and men of the Armed Forces, as well as their families, enjoy financial stability during and after service.
According to the defence chief, Defence Headquarters is currently engaging financial institutions to provide soft loans to spouses of service personnel at highly reduced interest rates to support viable business ventures and promote family stability.
He added that discussions are also ongoing to expand access to housing loans to complement existing housing schemes across the Services, with the goal of ensuring that personnel retire with personal homes and sustainable sources of income.
“Concrete steps are being taken to improve the overall welfare of our personnel. The process is ongoing, and it is receiving support at the highest level,” Oluyede said, assuring troops that 2026 would usher in improved welfare conditions.
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The CDS noted that the Defence Headquarters is equally concerned about the wellbeing of retired personnel, particularly the challenge of sustainable engagement after years of service, stressing that no soldier would be abandoned after retirement.
Drawing inspiration from football, Oluyede told the gathering that the Armed Forces leadership would continue to stand by its personnel, adding, “You’ll never walk alone.”
He commended officers and men of the Armed Forces for their resilience, courage and professionalism across various theatres of operation, from the northern savannahs to the southern creeks and Nigeria’s airspace.
The defence chief also paid tribute to military families, describing them as silent heroes whose sacrifices, prayers and patience continue to sustain the morale and fighting spirit of the Armed Forces.
Oluyede expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for his unwavering commitment to strengthening the welfare, morale and operational capability of the Armed Forces, and commended the Service Chiefs for their leadership.
Earlier, the Chief of Defence Administration, Rear Admiral Gideon Kachim, said the Social Night was designed to give personnel the opportunity to unwind, celebrate and reflect, while also honouring fallen heroes who paid the supreme price in defence of the nation.
The event, which formed part of activities marking the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day, was attended by the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu; Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas; Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke; and the Chief of Defence Intelligence, Lt. Gen. Emmanuel Undiandeye.
Highlights of the night included musical performances by veteran artistes, including Tuface Idibia and Zule Zoo, as officers and men were feted in an atmosphere of unity, remembrance and appreciation.
By PRNigeria
