Army Chief Pledges ₦25m Health Fund Support for Retired Officers

COAS Pledges ₦25m Health Fund Support for Retired Officers

By Goodness Ekpang

Abuja (Core 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 Defence Academy (NDA) United Welfare Association (UWA), led by its President, Air Vice Marshal Ibikunle Daramola (Rtd), on a courtesy visit to Army Headquarters, Abuja.

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

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

Underscoring the Army’s commitment to personnel welfare beyond active service, Lieutenant General Shaibu pledged ₦25 million to the association’s Emergency Health Fund to support the medical needs of its members.

He stressed that caring for those who had served the nation remained 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 the integration of 28,000 recruits through regional training depots in Zaria, Osogbo and Amasiri Edda are part of efforts to enhance the Army’s operational reach and responsiveness across the country.

He further disclosed that the Army was implementing a revised training curriculum with greater emphasis on marksmanship, physical fitness and fieldcraft to prepare troops for increasingly complex security environments.

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

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

The Army Chief also highlighted the institutionalisation of the Senior Executive Transition Programme, designed to prepare retiring senior officers and their spouses for life after active military service.

He described the programme as part of the Army’s broader effort to strengthen personnel welfare throughout and beyond military service.

Earlier, the President of the 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, advisory support and specialised expertise in furtherance of the Nigerian Army’s objectives and national security