20/05/2026
MINISTRY OF DEFENCE COMMITTEE ON THE WELFARE OF VETERANS AND DRESS CODE VISITS NIGERIAN LEGION
The Committee set up by the Ministry of Defence on the Welfare of Veterans and Dress Code yesterday visited the National Headquarters of Nigerian Legion as part of fact finding mission to have an interaction with the National Chairman of Nigerian Legion and members of the management team. At the visit, the committee exchange views on issues relating to Veterans welfare and the dress code of members of Corps of Commissionaires.
The Chairman of the Committee, Major General GS Abdullahi (rtd) expressed the concern of the Honourable Minister of Defence, General CG Musa (rtd) over veterans’ affairs and the need to address their welfare.
He said the HMOD noted that despite their national service, many Veterans are currently battling healthy and economic challenges. Consequently, he inaugurated the Committee to formulate recommendations aimed at comprehensively improving the general welfare of veterans
The Committee Chairman stated that it’s primary mandate is to ensure that the welfare of veterans is permanently placed on the front burner of national discourse and remains a top priority.
In her remarks, the National Chairman and Chairman of the National Council of Nigerian Legion, Ms Grace Morenike Henry explicitly positioned the core issues affecting the veterans to be included in their deliberations; issues at addressing adequate welfare support to veterans, improved funding to Nigerian Legion and affordable housing for veterans, as well as looking into other post-service welfare schemes.
The Chairman of the committee said there are about 5 - 6 areas the committee is going to look into; Medicare Care, Housing, Pension, Employment for those who are will and Skills Training. In her response, the National Chairman informed the committee that the Nigerian Legion in collaboration with IDMSS conducted training to about 283 veterans on Disaster Management and Emergency Safety Response and some are already benefiting from the training.
Furthermore, the committee’s deliberations touched upon the structural framework of the Corps of Commissionaires with particular emphasis on standardizing their uniforms and ranks. Consequently, the Committee Chairman directed the FCT Commandant Corps of Commissionaires, Captain HN Bako (rtd) to provide the committee with a comprehensive briefing detailing the historical background and Dress Codes of the Corps at both the National and state levels.
In her response, the Chairman Nigerian Legion expressed concern over the Corps of Commissionaires wearing uniforms that mirrors the regular army, as well as their use of ranks typical of serving military personnel. She reaffirmed her administration’s commitment to restoring the dignity, professionalism and uniform integrity of the Nigerian Legion.
Other members of the Committee were Mrs BO Olaniyi, Director Joint Services - MOD, Rear Admiral Taofeek NHQ, Air Commodore AA Adedoyin, Director Veterans Affairs HQ NAF. Others are Mr PA Fatorisa DD VAD JSD, Oboba Elizabeth MOD and Loretta Amadi MOD.
