The Nigerian Legion has urged the federal government to establish a dedicated Ministry of Veterans Affairs to strengthen support for retired military personnel and the families of fallen servicemen nationwide.
The appeal was made in Abuja by the Legion’s National Chairman, Grace Morenike Henry, during activities marking the organisation’s 62nd anniversary.
Henry said a dedicated ministry would provide a stronger institutional framework to address veterans’ welfare, healthcare and social needs in line with international best practice.
She rejected ongoing efforts to repeal the Nigerian Legion Act to create a Veterans Federation of Nigeria (VFN), insisting instead that the existing legislation be amended and reinforced.
According to Henry, the Nigerian Legion remains the only body officially recognised by the federal government to represent the welfare and interests of ex-servicemen.
As part of the anniversary events, the Legion launched an empowerment programme for veterans and widows of deceased servicemen aimed at improving livelihoods and economic well‑being.
Sixty‑two beneficiaries will receive support, 30 widows will be awarded grinding and tailoring machines, while 32 veterans will each receive a N100,000 grant to boost their businesses.
Reflecting on her tenure as the first female National Chairman, Henry said her administration has pursued reforms to restore dignity, respect and support for veterans and bereaved families.
She appealed to government agencies, corporate organisations and well‑meaning Nigerians to assist military veterans, noting the sacrifices many servicemen make and the hardships their families often endure.
Henry also praised the Nigerian Legion’s six‑decade legacy of supporting ex‑servicemen and commended the Institute of Disaster Management and Safety Science for partnering with the Legion to provide free training programmes.
