By Victor Ahiuma-Young

Military veterans have applauded the Military Pensions Board, MPB, for introducing electronic pension verification, describing it as a major relief that has reduced stress and improved access to pension services for retirees.

The veterans spoke during activities marking the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day, AFCRD. 

A retired Master Warrant Officer of the Nigerian Air Force, Mr. Emmanuel Waniko, said the digital verification process had eliminated the hardship associated with physical verification exercises, which often required long-distance travel and prolonged waiting periods.

He commended the Board for embracing technology to enhance service delivery.

“The pension verification is very effective now. You can do it from the comfort of your home without travelling or spending days at offices,” he said.

Waniko, however, called on the Federal Government to review pensions and gratuities upward in view of rising inflation, increased fuel prices, and high transportation costs.

He also appealed for targeted support for retired military personnel engaged in agriculture, noting that the cost of fertiliser, agrochemicals, and farm machinery had become prohibitive.

Similarly, a retired Master Warrant Officer of the Nigerian Army, Mr. Magaji Abdallah, described the electronic verification initiative as “wonderful,” saying it had particularly benefited retirees living in rural areas and those residing outside the country.

“I did my verification in my village before coming to Abuja, and it was very successful. It saves us from travelling long distances and queuing for days,” he said.

While commending government efforts in healthcare, including the Defence Health Maintenance Scheme and periodic medical outreaches, Abdallah urged authorities to address housing challenges facing retirees and expand healthcare coverage to include more drugs and services.

On her part, the National Chairman of the Nigerian Legion, Ms. Grace Henry, said the electronic pension verification system had strengthened transparency and efficiency in the administration of military pensions, while reducing the burden on elderly veterans.

Henry also clarified issues surrounding healthcare coverage for veterans, explaining that access to free medical treatment is tied to registration with the Defence Health Maintenance Organisation (DHMO) and treatment at approved hospitals.

She assured veterans that the Legion is engaging relevant ministries and agencies, including the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, to secure subsidised farm inputs and implements for retired personnel involved in farming.

According to her, sustained collaboration between the government, the Military Pensions Board, and the Nigerian Legion is essential to improving the welfare, health, and post-service livelihoods of military veterans across the country.