Buhari Approves N134.7bn Debarment Allowance For Retired Military Officers

President Muhammadu Buhari has approved N134.7 billion for the payment of security debarment allowance (SDA) to all military veterans.

Buhari, who spoke at the launch of the 2023 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Emblem and Appeal Fund, also announced the donation of N10 million to the Nigerian Legion, on behalf of the federal government.

The inauguration of the emblem appeal fund preceded the meeting of the federal executive council (FEC).

In September, retired military officers staged a protest over unpaid allowances.

Speaking at the event, Buhari pledged the government’s commitment to the welfare of veterans by ensuring prompt payment of pensions and entitlements.

“However, in order to capture all veterans hitherto excluded from the payment of the SDA, I have approved a review of the effective date of the Manual of Financial Administration for the Armed Forces of Nigeria (MAFA) 2017,” Buhari said.

“Accordingly, I have also approved the sum of N134,749,953,243.69 only for that purpose.”

The president expressed delight that Defence Health Maintenance Limited is living up to expectations in providing health care services to veterans.

He promised that government would continue to prioritise the provision of quality healthcare services to veterans and citizens at large.