Army Chief Pledges to Support ₦25 Million Health Fund for Retired Officers

COAS pledges to support a ₦25 million health fund for retired officers

Goodness Ekpang

Abuja (Key Reporters) – The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to the welfare of serving and retired personnel, as well as ongoing reforms to build a more professional, adaptable, technologically enabled and combat-ready force.

Shaibu stated this on Thursday, September 17, 2026, when he received members of the Executive Committee of the Course 39 Nigerian Defense Academy (NDA) United Welfare Association (UWA), led by its President, Air Vice Marshal Ibikunle Daramola (Rtd), on a courtesy visit to the Army Headquarters, Abuja.

The COAS described ongoing engagement with retired officers and veterans as an important pillar of institutional development, stressing that their operational experience, professional knowledge and leadership expertise remain invaluable to the Nigerian Army.

He said such engagements would strengthen institutional memory, mentorship and continuity, while providing useful perspectives to address emerging security challenges.

Underlining the Army’s commitment to the well-being of personnel beyond active duty, Lieutenant General Shaibu pledged ₦25 million to the association’s emergency health fund to support the medical needs of its members.

He emphasized that caring for those who have served the nation remains an enduring responsibility and an important component of the Army’s personnel welfare policy.

The Army Chief also highlighted ongoing initiatives to strengthen the force structure, manpower, training and operational capabilities of the Nigerian Army.

According to him, the expansion of the Army to 12 divisions and integration of 28,000 recruits through regional training depots in Zaria, Osogbo and Amasiri Edda are part of efforts to improve the operational reach and responsiveness of the Army across the country.

He also revealed that the Army was implementing a revised training program with greater emphasis on marksmanship, physical fitness and field skills to prepare troops for increasingly complex security environments.

Shaibu said the Nigerian Army is also advancing its transition to multi-domain operations, with the integration of space, cyber and non-kinetic capabilities, alongside the development of military aviation and unmanned aerial systems.

He explained that the initiatives are designed to improve the Army’s situational awareness, operational mobility and ability to effectively respond to emerging threats.

The Army chief also highlighted the institutionalization of the Senior Leader Transition Program, designed to prepare retired senior officers and their spouses for life after active military service.

He described the program as part of a larger Army effort to strengthen personnel well-being during and beyond military service.

Earlier, the President of Course 39 NDA United Welfare Association, Air Vice Marshal Ibikunle Daramola (Rtd), congratulated Lieutenant General Shaibu on his appointment as Chief of Army Staff and his elevation to the rank of Lieutenant General.

Daramola commended the COAS for efforts to strengthen the Army’s force structure and operational capabilities across the country.

He also expressed appreciation for the Nigerian Army’s support to the association, particularly in the areas of health insurance, emergency assistance and capacity building programmes.

The retired Air Vice Marshal assured the COAS that members of Course 39 remained willing to contribute their operational, technical and leadership experience through mentorship, consultative support and specialized skills to advance the objectives of the Nigerian Army and national security