President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday announced the approval of N134.7 billion for the payment of Security Debarment Allowance (SDA) to all military veterans.
The President spoke at the launch of the 2023 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Emblem and Appeal fund in the Council Chambers of the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
He also announced the donation of N10 million to the Nigerian Legion, on behalf of the Federal Government.
President Buhari promised the Federal Government’s commitment to the welfare of veterans by ensuring prompt payment of their pension and other entitlements, which had been demonstrated by his approval of the payment of SDA to veterans with effect from 2017.
The President commended the efforts of the Nigerian Armed Forces in confronting banditry, kidnappings, molestations and killing of innocent citizens head-on, saying that these ‘‘vices alien to our culture’’ are on the decline.
He said normalcy is gradually returning to some affected parts of the country due to the methodical approach and increasing military campaign to decimate subversive elements involved in destructive activities such as ‘‘ in the insurgency in North East, militancy in the Niger Delta’’ as well as ethnic and religious tensions in some communities.
He called on business enterprises to appreciate the sacrifice of servicemen and gallant troops by extending support to them in form of discounts and rebates upon purchases and services rendered, saying this would act as a morale booster to members of the Armed Forces and assist them in carrying out their statutory responsibilities.
Buhari restated that he would hand over a Nigeria that is free from insecurity to the next generation of leaders.
He expressed confidence that with the gallantry and sacrifices exhibited by men and women of the Armed Forces in the campaign against insurgency and other Internal Security Operations, the nation will be returned to normalcy as we continue to battle decisively, all the security challenges.
The President said the choice of 15th January as the Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebration was symbolic because it marked the end of the Nigerian Civil War.
The event, which preceded the weekly Federal Executive Council, FEC, meeting was witnessed by many senior government officials and dignitaries from various sectors.
Also present were Vice President Yemi Osinbajo (SAN); President of the Senate, Dr Ahmad Lawan; ministers, military and other security chiefs, among others.
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