The federal government has intensified welfare reforms for serving and retired military personnel, with the payment of ₦18 billion in Group Life Insurance benefits and the establishment of a Veterans’ Databank and Call Centre.

Defence Minister Mohammed Badaru announced this during a press conference on the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day, in Abuja, on Wednesday.

Badaru said the welfare initiatives formed part of the government’s “Soldier First” policy, aimed at improving morale, living conditions, and medical care for personnel and their families.

“Those who defend our nation deserve not only our gratitude but our concrete support,” he said.

According to him, the new veterans’ data bank would ensure efficient management of veteran affairs, while the call centre would provide direct support to retired officers and families of fallen heroes.

He also announced plans to review the Nigerian Legion Act to create a Veterans Federation of Nigeria (VFN) that would unify veterans’ welfare and advocacy efforts nationwide.

The Minister said the troops’ welfare packages had been expanded to include the Debarment Allowance introduced recently, aimed to enhance medical coverage through Defence Health Maintenance Limited, and ongoing upgrades of barracks and medical facilities.

According to him, the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) Act 2023 would also strengthen local production of uniforms, equipment, and essential supplies to support troops’ operational and welfare needs.

Badaru unveiled a new initiative tagged Reclaiming the Ungoverned Space for Economic Benefits (RUSEB-P), which will engage retired veterans in securing and rebuilding communities liberated from insurgents through farming, mining, and reconstruction.

He urged Nigerians to honour the sacrifices of service members, saying the welfare of troops and veterans was central to national stability and cohesion.