By SUMAILA OGBAJE

The Chairman, Military Pensions Board (MPB), AVM Mikail Abdulraheem, has pledged to fast-track pension administration, and strengthen transparency for military retirees to avoid delays in payment of their pensions.

Abdulraheem made the pledge during a courtesy visit to the Minister of Defence, retired Gen. Christopher Musa.

In a statement on Saturday, the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Board, Sqn.-Ldr. Aliyu Mohammed, said that the visit was part of a renewed push to tighten coordination between the MPB and the Ministry of Defence.

According to him, the MPB Chairman, said that the engagement was aimed at removing bureaucratic bottlenecks, aligning policies and improving the speed and accuracy of pension payments to retired military personnel and their next-of-kin.

According to him, efficient pension administration is not only a welfare issue, but also a matter of honour, trust and morale within the Armed Forces.

“Our focus is clear: timely, transparent and efficient pension services that uphold the dignity of retired officers and soldiers who served the nation with distinction,” he said.

Abdulraheem explained that the Board was advancing reforms, designed to modernise pension processes, enhance accountability and improve service delivery across all categories of retirees.

He added that stronger collaboration with the Ministry of Defence and other stakeholders, would help address long-standing challenges in pension administration, and ensure sustainable improvements.

Abdulraheem reaffirmed the Board’s commitment to service excellence, adding that pensioners must feel the impact of reforms through prompt and reliable access to their entitlements.

In his response, Defence Minister, Gen. Musa, described pension administration as a critical pillar of military welfare and institutional credibility, adding its values are reflected by how a nation treats its retirees.

He assured the MPB of the Ministry’s support in initiatives aimed at strengthening pension systems and improving outcomes for retired personnel.

Musa said that the Federal Government remained committed to protecting the welfare and dignity of both serving and retired members of the Armed Forces, adding that continuous reforms were necessary to sustain confidence.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the visit signalled a renewed determination by defence authorities, to deliver faster and more transparent pension services, as well as to restore confidence among military retirees. (NAN)

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