The Nigerian Legion has intensified efforts to reposition its operations, seeking the support of former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, and former Majority Leader of the House of Representatives, Col. Tunde Akogun (retd), during separate visits in Abuja.

The National Chairman of the Legion, Major General Henry, led her management team on the visits as part of ongoing reforms aimed at strengthening the organisation and improving service delivery to veterans.
According to the Legion, the engagements form part of broader efforts to reposition the body for more efficient and impactful service provision.

In her remarks, the chairman said she is leveraging international experience to drive reforms within the organisation.

“I want to bring my UK and Canada experience to uplift the Nigerian Legion. We have properly departmentalised the directorate along the Army, Navy, and Air Force structures so that members can easily channel their requests or complaints, similar to what obtains at the Defence Headquarters,” she said.

She disclosed that the Legion has undertaken significant infrastructure upgrades, including the renovation of its Abuja office to improve working conditions and morale.

“We have renovated the Legion office in Abuja to a standard that every legionnaire can be proud of, and we are currently seeking partners to develop our land in the Federal Capital Territory,” she added.

Highlighting key challenges, the chairman said many veterans are struggling to meet basic needs due to inadequate pensions.

“Veterans are finding it difficult to pay for healthcare, accommodation, and other essentials due to poor pension income,” she noted.

She appealed to Abdulsalami Abubakar to engage the Chief of Defence Staff and the Minister of Defence on reforms aimed at improving veterans’ welfare.

Among her recommendations was the appointment of a serving or retired military officer to head the Department of Joint Service under the Ministry of Defence, noting that such arrangements exist in other countries and help ensure better care for veterans.

She also advocated the establishment of a dedicated Ministry of Veterans Affairs.

“Nigeria, with over 10,000 veterans, cannot afford not to have a Ministry of Veterans Affairs,” she said.
Responding, Abdulsalami Abubakar acknowledged the gaps in attention to veterans’ welfare and pledged to take up the issues raised.

“All of us have overlooked our responsibilities regarding veterans’ affairs. I will discuss the Department of Joint Service with the Minister of Defence and engage him on all the issues you have raised,” he said.

He also suggested increased contributions from retirees to support the growth and financial sustainability of the Nigerian Legion.

In a related visit, Col. Tunde Akogun (retd) congratulated the Legion chairman on her appointment as the first woman to lead the organisation and pledged his support for its reform agenda.

His wife, Dr Dame Tumini Akogun, also expressed willingness to collaborate with the Legion, particularly through initiatives involving spouses of retired officers.

“I will see how we can work together, especially through the wives of retired officers in advancing veterans’ affairs,” she said.

The visits form part of the Nigerian Legion’s broader drive to strengthen institutional capacity, improve veterans’ welfare, and mobilise stakeholder support for sustainable development.