25/09/2026
PRESS RELEASE
DEFENCE HEADQUARTRS LAUNCHES ONLINE DISCOUNT SHOP FOR ARMED FORCES PERSONNEL, VETERANS AND FAMILIES
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, CON, has officially launched the Armed Forces of Nigeria Personnel/Veterans Online Discount Shop, a digital welfare initiative designed to enable serving, retired personnel and their families have access to essential goods at discounted prices.
Serving as the Special Guest of Honour at the launch held at Defence Headquarters, Abuja, Senator Akume described the initiative as a practical intervention to support the welfare of members of the Armed Forces and their families. He noted that military welfare goes beyond occupational amenities, stressing that the wellbeing of personnel and their families remain essential to sustaining a motivated and resilient Armed Forces.
The SGF commended the Defence Headquarters and Zinox Group for initiating the partnership, noting that the development demonstrated the potential of leveraging digital technology to address contemporary welfare needs. He however emphasised the importance of ensuring transparency, reliability and continuous improvement of the platform, adding that its credibility would ultimately be determined by the quality of service and tangible benefits delivered to beneficiaries.
He particularly welcomed the inclusion of veterans and their families in the scheme, observing that their contributions and sacrifices to national service deserved continued recognition and support. He urged all stakeholders to sustain the initiative and ensure that eligible beneficiaries derive maximum value from the platform.
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, In his remarks, described the online discount shop as a practical expression of the Armed Forces’ commitment to personnel welfare. He stated that the initiative goes beyond providing discounted goods, as it represents a people-centred approach to improving the livelihoods of military personnel, veterans and their families through digital innovation and strategic partnerships.
The CDS disclosed that the Defence Headquarters would develop a robust database, leveraging existing Service platforms and pension records, to facilitate effective implementation of the scheme. He further revealed plans to expand the platform to accommodate additional vendors, including suppliers of building materials and other essential commodities, as well as establish physical outlets in the future.
The Chairman of Zinox Group, Chief Dr Leo Stan Ekeh, represented by the company’s General Manager, Corporate Governance, Mr Reginald Obiako, expressed appreciation for the opportunity to support the initiative. He described the partnership as Zinox Group’s contribution towards recognising the sacrifices and dedication of members of the Armed Forces, noting that the platform would provide beneficiaries with convenient access to quality products at preferential prices.
Earlier in his opening remarks the Chief of Transformation and Innovation Defence Headquarters, Air Vice Marshal Idris Alhaji, stated that the Defence Discount Scheme was one of several welfare initiatives being introduced under the Chief of Defence Staff’s Soldier First leadership principle. He noted that the initiative reflected the commitment of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces to improving the welfare of serving personnel, veterans and their families.
A major highlight of the event was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Defence Headquarters and Zinox Group to formalise the partnership for the implementation of the online discount scheme. The agreement was signed by the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, on behalf of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, and the Chairman of Zinox Group, Chief Dr Leo Stan Ekeh, on behalf of the private-sector partner.
The launch of the online discount shop and the signing of the MoU underscore the commitment of the Defence Headquarters to strengthening personnel and veteran welfare through digital innovation, strategic partnerships and practical interventions that improve access to essential goods and services.
SAMAILA UBA
Major General
Director, Defence Information
24 September 2026
