Ex-CDS Irabor seeks support for wounded veterans, tax rebate for retirees

Former Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Lucky Irabor (retd.), has called for targeted support initiatives for wounded and disabled military veterans to enhance morale and effectiveness among active-duty personnel.

He also advocated tax and appreciation rebates on all local flights and public transportation for veterans in the country.

Speaking at the 2025 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day Lecture and Art Exhibition in Abuja on Tuesday, Irabor stated that in the ongoing discourse around the recent Tax Reform Bill, rebates should be institutionalised for veterans.

He said, “All active-duty and veterans should be given reasonable rebates on all local flights and movements in public transportation systems. Attempts on this programme in the past have not been well coordinated. They have been disparate in execution. It would be necessary to fashion out a more enduring programme to achieve the programme.

“Specifically, the ongoing discourse around the recent Tax Reform Bill should have provisions institutionalising tax rebates for veterans.”

While calling for improved support for wounded servicemen, Irabor stated that their plight left a heartbreaking tale in the minds of everyone, including those still in service.

“This could indirectly demoralise serving personnel. It could even make veterans go into depression for possible regrets of patriotic services rendered to the nation.

“To redress this, it is suggested that special support could be organised for better care of wounded and disabled active-duty and retired military personnel. I am aware of the ongoing construction of the Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder facility and the Invictus Games project.

“It is very essential that these projects are completed, fully furnished,well-equipped and properly manned, sustained and well-publicised for the benefit of the Armed Forces. The projects will also improve the perception of the Federal Government and the nation in general, as a grateful people for patriotic services rendered,” he added.

Irabor also called for a comprehensive healthcare programme for veterans, adding that the quality of life of veterans had continued to depreciate daily when juxtaposed with the inflationary trends.

According to him, even with prompt payment of monetary entitlements, the value pales when healthcare-related issues are tied to the disposable income of the veteran.

He said that the current Defence Healthcare Insurance policy for personnel was not comprehensive with many ailments and medical cases not covered.

He proposed the establishment of a special-purpose vehicle to provide comprehensive healthcare for veterans, particularly as inflation erodes their disposable incomes.

He also called for the establishment of an affordable housing scheme and foundations for veterans with special needs.

He said, “The housing needs for personnel after service are huge and daunting. Although the various Services have developed programmes to assist personnel, the outcome has not relieved the financial burden on the men. The cost implications of the Services could have been a major challenge in the execution of the welfare programme.

“To redress this issue, a coordinated special programme by the Federal Government to subsidize the cost of owning affordable houses by personnel should be instituted.

“I suggested a 10-year counter-part funding plan for all personnel to own a house in place of their choice could be a starting point. The recent effort of the Nigerian Army leadership to address the housing needs of serving personnel through the Affordable Home Ownership Option for All Soldiers Scheme should also be sustained.

“The Federal Government could establish foundations and encourage the private sector, philanthropists and other public-spirited individuals to donate to the cause of veterans with special needs. The Foundation could be managed and monitored by a Board with representation of veterans.”

The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, pledged to judiciously manage military funds allocated to the military.

He also promised to work towards restoring peace across Nigeria with the budgetary allocation.

Musa said, “We will judicially utilise the money allocated to us. We must put in the work to ensure Nigeria is peaceful.”