In response to recent public comments and reservations expressed by some stakeholders, including Vet Dr. Daniel Shami, regarding the establishment of four new Directorates and a Defence Headquarters (DHQ) Liaison Desk at the Nigerian Legion Headquarters, the leadership of the Nigerian Legion wishes to clarify the intent, scope, and long-term vision behind this development.
The National Chairman, Ms Grace Morenike Henry, remains steadfast in her commitment to the welfare of all veterans and their families. The creation of these Directorates; Army Affairs, Navy Affairs, Air Force Affairs, Widows Affairs and the DHQ Liaison Desk is a strategic and proactive step grounded in the need to decentralize complaint management, provide branch-specific attention, and facilitate quicker resolutions through more structured internal coordination and external liaison with the Defence Headquarters and Military Pensions Board (MPB).
Reforming, Not Repeating: The Need for Specialized Directorates
Contrary to the perception that the new structure might create bureaucracy or redundant posts, the Legion has observed that many welfare-related issues faced by veterans are service-specific in nature. Veterans of the Army, Navy, and Air Force often face distinct administrative processes and challenges. Hence, the creation of service-aligned Directorates is not a duplication of effort, but an alignment with functional realities and best practices observed in other tri-service institutions such as the MPB, which already uses service-based desk officers for efficient administration.
Additionally, the Widows Affairs Directorate has been established to address the long-neglected concerns of the widows of our fallen heroes, a constituency deserving of dedicated attention and empowerment initiatives.
DHQ Liaison Desk: Bridging the Gap, Not Compromising Protocol
Some concerns have been raised about the feasibility of the DHQ Liaison Desk’s effectiveness in reaching high-level military authorities such as the CDS, HMoSD, or CMPB. While the Nigerian Legion does not claim to override military hierarchy, the Liaison Desk is not intended to usurp military channels, but rather to provide a formal route for civilian veterans’ issues to be escalated appropriately, documented effectively, and followed up consistently. This desk will operate as a complementary mechanism, not a conflicting one, in engaging with defence institutions.
Digital Access and Central Oversight: A Parallel Initiative
The suggestion to set up a central digital complaints platform is indeed valid and already under active consideration by the Chairman’s Office. Plans are underway to launch a unified digital platform (including email, Telegram, and mobile contact channels) through which veterans and widows can submit complaints or queries. These will be accessible not only to the Chairman but also to the Directorates for coordinated action.
However, having both a centralized digital channel and specialized Directorates will ensure no one falls through the cracks, a hybrid model of inclusivity and efficiency.
Institutional Legitimacy and Compliance
It is important to stress that all initiatives under Ms Grace Morenike Henry’s leadership are within the provisions of the Nigerian Legion Establishment Act. There is no abdication of responsibility, but rather a deliberate restructuring to optimize performance, distribute workload, and enhance accountability. The Nigerian Legion is a veteran-led statutory body, and like all evolving institutions, it must adapt management strategies that meet the increasing complexity of veteran welfare needs.
Job Creation or Strategic Reform
It is not uncommon for institutional reforms to create new roles, and this should not be seen as mere job creation for its own sake. Rather, it is a necessary administrative evolution to improve service delivery. The Directorates are tasked with measurable mandates, and their effectiveness will be subject to continuous performance evaluation.
A Call for Unity and Constructive Engagement
While we welcome robust discourse, we urge all veterans and stakeholders to engage constructively. The Chairman’s office remains open to suggestions and partnership in pursuit of the Legion’s core mission: to protect the dignity and welfare of Nigerian military veterans and their families.
This is not about one individual or office, it is about collective responsibility and a shared commitment to progress.
Let us not confuse reform with retreat. The Nigerian Legion is not retrogressing, it is progressing with purpose.
SIGNED:
Vet Abdul Lauya, anipr
Special Adviser Media & Public Relations, Legion Headquarters
Abuja.