By Harriet Tornguvan
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Richard Pheelangwah, has reaffirmed the critical role of the Military Pensions Board (MPB) in Nigeria’s defence institutional framework, urging the Board to prioritise the timely payment of benefits to retired military personnel.
Pheelangwah made the call during a recent visit to the headquarters of the Military Pensions Board in Abuja, where he met with the Board’s leadership to strengthen collaboration and explore ways of improving pension administration for retired members of the Armed Forces.
He noted that the Federal Government places high value on military veterans, stressing that ensuring their welfare after retirement remains a key national responsibility.
According to him, the Military Pensions Board plays a vital role in administering pension and gratuity benefits to retired personnel of the Armed Forces and must continue to strengthen its systems to ensure prompt and seamless payment of entitlements.
The Permanent Secretary emphasised that veterans represent a valuable national asset whose sacrifices in service to the country must be honoured through effective policies and systems that guarantee their wellbeing in retirement.
He further stressed that pension payments to retired personnel should be handled with accuracy and timeliness, noting that many veterans depend on their benefits for their livelihoods.
“It is important that pension payments to retired personnel are handled with timeliness and accuracy, as many of the veterans depend on these entitlements for their livelihoods and wellbeing. Delays or administrative challenges can have significant implications for them and their families,” he said.
Pheelangwah also urged the Board to prioritise the payment of pensioners before serving officers, adding that efficient pension administration is a critical component of the welfare framework supporting both serving and retired personnel.
He explained that the visit provided an opportunity for the Ministry’s leadership and the Board to discuss operational challenges and areas requiring further attention, while reiterating the Ministry’s commitment to supporting the Board in achieving its mandate.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Military Pensions Board, Air Vice Marshal Maikail Abdullraheem, welcomed the Permanent Secretary and his delegation, assuring them of the Board’s continued commitment to the welfare of military retirees.
Abdullraheem later conducted the visiting team round key facilities within the Board, including the Information and Communications Department, the Archives Department and the Directorate Department, where officials briefed the delegation on their operations.
Directors, principal staff officers of the Board, and the Director of the Joint Services Department were among those present during the visit.
