The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, Mr. Richard Pheelangwah, has called for the prioritization of pension payments for retired military personnel, suggesting they should receive their entitlements before serving officers.
​Speaking during an official visit to the Military Pensions Board (MPB) headquarters in Abuja on Saturday, March 14, 2026, Pheelangwah emphasized that the Federal Government places a high premium on veterans. He described the timely disbursement of benefits as both a “moral obligation and a national responsibility.”
​The Permanent Secretary noted that many veterans rely solely on these entitlements for their livelihoods, warning that administrative delays can have severe implications for retirees and their families.
​”Veterans represent a valuable national asset,” Pheelangwah stated. “Their sacrifices must continue to be honored through systems that support their wellbeing. Efficient pension administration is a key component of the welfare architecture for both serving and retired personnel.”
​During the visit, Pheelangwah encouraged the Board to strengthen its existing systems to eliminate “undue administrative burdens” and ensure accuracy in payments. He also reminded the Board’s leadership that improving the system today would eventually benefit them upon their own retirement.
​In his response, the Chairman of the Military Pensions Board, Air Vice Marshal (AVM) Maikail Abdullraheem, reaffirmed the Board’s commitment to the welfare of retirees. AVM Abdullraheem led the Permanent Secretary and his team on a tour of the Board’s facilities, including the Information and Communications Department, the Archives, and the Directorate Department, to demonstrate the technical workings of the pension administration process.
​The visit served as a strategic forum for the Ministry and the MPB to identify areas requiring improvement. Pheelangwah pledged the Ministry’s full support to help the Board achieve its targets in safeguarding the financial security and dignity of the nation’s veterans.
​The event was attended by the Director of the Joint Services Department, along with various directors and principal staff officers of the Board.
