The Federal Government has begun paying veterans of the Nigerian Armed Forces Security Debarment Allowance (SDA).
Dr. Ibrahimi Kana, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence, said this during a meeting with veterans at the Ship House, Federal Ministry of Defence, Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.
According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Defence’s Director Press, Mrs. Victoria Agba-Attah, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry confirmed the release of twenty one billion naira, or 28 percent of the total outstanding Security Debarment Allowance approved by President Muhammadu Buhari to the Ministry.
Dr. Ibrahim Kana stated that the payment fulfilled the federal government’s promise made in September 2022 to begin paying Security Debarment Allowance (SDA) to veterans as soon as possible.
“The Federal Government has released the sum of 21 billion Naira as first tranche of the Security Debarment Allowance to the veterans to be paid as promised, “stated Dr. Kana.
The Permanent Secretary further stated that “by making the funds available, the Government has demonstrated its commitment to the welfare and wellbeing of the Armed Forces, noting that the Ministry of Defence in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance through the Military Pensions Board initiated the commencement of payment of the allowances”.
Dr. Kana further disclosed that the president has also reduced the spread of payment from 3-5 years to within 3 years. While appreciating President Muhammadu Buhari for
prioritizing the request of the Ministry promptly at all times, he commended the Minister of Defence, Major General Bashir Magashi (rtd) and the Minister of Finance, Mrs. Zainab Ahmed for the passion used in pursuing the welfare and well being of Nigerian Veterans.
The leader of the delegation of the Veterans, Air Commodore Femi Oguntuyi (rtd) appreciated the Permanent Secretary for his efforts and the Federal Government for the prompt response to the plight of ex-service men on the Security Debarment Allowance.
