The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, Mr Richard Pheelangwah, has reiterated that the federal government places a high premium on the veterans.
A statement by Queenet Iheoma-Hart (CIO) for Director, Press and Public Relations stated that Pheelangwah said this when he met with the leadership of the Military Pensions Board (MPB).
He stressed the need to seek means of strengthening ties and exploring ways of ensuring that pension administration works for the country’s retired military personnel.
He reiterated during the visit that the federal government placed a high premium on the veterans.
The permanent secretary noted the key role of the MPB in administering pension and gratuity benefits to retired personnel of the armed forces.
He encouraged the board to continue strengthening its systems to ensure that pensioners receive their entitlements promptly and without undue administrative burden.
Recognising the sacrifices of the veterans to the country, Pheelangwah posited that it is both a moral obligation and a national responsibility to ensure that when they retire from active service, their welfare and financial security are properly safeguarded.
“Veterans represent a valuable national asset, and their sacrifices in service to the nation must continue to be honoured through policies and systems that support their well-being in retirement,” the Permanent Secretary maintained.
He, however, assured the federal government’s commitment to safeguarding the welfare, dignity and financial security of retired military personnel, while urging the Board to ensure timely and accurate payment of retirees’ benefits before service officers.
He also encouraged the board to keep on improving and strengthening the pension system that will also serve them in their own retirement.
“Pension payments to retired personnel must be handled with timeliness and accuracy, as many of the veterans depend on these entitlements for their livelihoods and wellbeing; hence, delays or administrative challenges can have significant implications for them and their families.”
“Efficient pension administration is therefore not just a financial responsibility; it is a key component of the welfare architecture that supports both serving and retired personnel.”
According to the Permanent Secretary, the visit was an opportunity for the leadership of the ministry and the Board to discuss areas that need improvement and attention from the ministry. He pledged the ministry’s full commitment to supporting the board to achieve its set targets.
In his response, the Chairman of the Board, AVM Maikail Abdullraheem, welcomed the Permanent Secretary and team and assured them of the Board’s unwavering commitment to serving retirees.
He thereafter took the team round the board’s facilities, such as the Information and Communications Department, the Archives Department and the Directorate Department, where each of the scheduled officers took the team through the workings of their departments.
Leave a Reply