The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, Richard Pheelangwah, has urged the Military Pensions Board (MPB) to prioritise the timely payment of pensions to retired military personnel.
Pheelangwah made the call during a visit to the headquarters of the board in Abuja, according to a statement issued on Saturday by Queenet Iheoma-Hart on behalf of the Director of Press and Public Relations.
He emphasised the critical role of the board in safeguarding the welfare of retired members of the armed forces and advised that pension payments should be prioritised ahead of those of serving officers.
Describing military veterans as a valuable national asset, the permanent secretary said prompt and accurate pension administration was both a moral obligation and a national responsibility.
He noted that many retirees depend heavily on their pensions and gratuities for their livelihood and wellbeing, warning that delays or administrative bottlenecks could have serious consequences for them and their families.
Pheelangwah also encouraged the board to strengthen its operational systems to enhance efficiency and ensure the smooth disbursement of pensions and gratuities.
He reiterated the ministry’s full support for the board’s initiatives, stressing that effective pension administration remains an important part of the welfare structure that supports both serving and retired military personnel.
In his response, the Chairman of the Military Pensions Board, Air Vice Marshal Mikail Abdullraheem, reaffirmed the board’s commitment to meeting the needs of retired service members.
The visit also featured a tour of the board’s facilities, including the Information and Communications, Archives, and Directorate departments, where officials briefed the permanent secretary and his team on their operational processes.
Directors and principal staff officers of the board, as well as the Director of the Joint Services Department, were present during the visit.
