The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, has revealed that the military is in discussions with the Nigerian Government about engaging military retirees in national development efforts.
Speaking on Friday at 2024 send-off cocktail event honoring 18 retiring generals, General Musa emphasized that the vast experience and skills acquired by retirees should not be allowed to go to waste.
The Defence Chief noted that retirees have significant capabilities that could be invaluable in various sectors, including national strategic planning, defense production, and national security. He expressed confidence that these former officers could make a meaningful impact outside active service, particularly in board appointments and other leadership roles.
Musa said, “Your retirement is not a retreat into oblivion but an opportunity to serve a greater cause in national development. We are engaging with political leaders to ensure that the military’s developed capacities and capabilities are not wasted. For those retiring, there are ongoing efforts to consider them for board appointments and other roles where they can contribute more.”
He continued, “It’s a work in progress. You will be needed in national strategic planning, defence production, national security, and other critical areas, just as veterans are engaged in other countries worldwide.”
The event honored 18 retired and retiring generals, including Maj. Gen. A. Mohamed, Maj. Gen. B.Y. Baffa, Brig. Gen. D.O. Donibo, Brig. Gen. J.Y. Nimmyel, Brig. Gen. K.F. Suleiman, Brig. Gen. D.J. Abdullahi, and Brig. Gen. K. Abdulkarim, among others.
In his address, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, commended the retiring generals for their exceptional careers and contributions to both national and international peacekeeping efforts. He praised their commitment to defending Nigeria’s territorial integrity, protecting citizens, and upholding the nation’s core values. He also highlighted their roles in critical internal security missions and international assignments, noting their impact on shaping the Nigerian Army’s readiness and effectiveness.
Oluyede said, “These generals served the nation’s interests both within and outside Nigeria. From Liberia to Sierra Leone, Sudan, the Darfur region, the Bakassi Peninsula, and in addressing various internal security challenges posed by violent extremist groups, their expertise and experiences have been instrumental in shaping the Nigerian Army.”
