The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has restated its commitment to the welfare of retired personnel, including expanded healthcare access and plans to re-engage veterans with critical skills.
Chief of Air Staff (CAS) Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar gave the assurance during the Mid-Year 2025 Chief of the Air Staff’s Parley with NAF veterans, held in Enugu. He was represented by Air Vice Marshal (AVM) Chidiebere Obiabaka, Director of Veteran Affairs.
Obiabaka revealed that the NAF has made notable progress in tracking the locations, health status, and welfare needs of its veterans.
“We have already mapped where our veterans live, assessed their health, and begun addressing their needs,” he said.
He added that medical treatment had been made free for veterans and their families, while NAF is also exploring contractual re-engagements for retirees with specialist knowledge.
“For two consecutive years, the CAS has placed veteran welfare above all other personnel concerns,” he said.
AVM Ahmed Shinkafi, Air Officer Commanding the NAF Ground Training Command in Enugu, commended the initiative, describing the parley as a valuable opportunity to connect with veterans and recognise their service.
Retired Group Captain Emma Agu described the event as a “reunion” for retired officers from the South-East, while Warrant Officer Anthony Aneke praised the free healthcare support and commended the CAS for prioritising veterans’ welfare.
The event featured: A health talk on “Low Back Pain (Lumbar Spondylosis),” as well as a retirement planning lecture, “Strategies for a Sustainable Retirement Life,” delivered by Dr. Gloria Chiagorom of the University of Nigeria Medical Centre, Nsukka.
Obiabaka also noted that NAF is building partnerships with Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to develop financial sustainability programmes for retired personnel.
