The Federal Government yesterday, said it has commenced the payment of Security Debarment Allowance (SDA) to retired personnel of the Nigerian Armed Forces.

Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana,  also disclosed that president Muhammadu Buhari, has reduced the spread of payment from 3-5 years to within 3 years.

Kana, said this at a meeting he held with members of the armed forces veterans at the Ship House, Abuja.

He said the release of N21 billion , being 28 percent of the total outstanding security debarment allowance approved by President Muhammadu Buhari, to the Ministry,  as first tranche was in fulfilment of the promise made by government in September 2022 that payment of SDA to veterans would start as soon as possible.

According to him:“The FG has released the sum of N21 billion as first tranche of the Security Debarment Allowance to the veterans to be paid as promised”

The permanent secretary, while noting that the  Government has demonstrated its commitment to the welfare, and wellbeing of the Armed Forces by making the funds available, said 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. While commending President Buhari for prioritizing the request of the Ministry at all times, Kana thanked  the Minister of Defence, Major General Bashir Salihi Magashi, and the Minister of Finance, Mrs Zainab Ahmed,  for the passion used in pursuing the welfare and well being of Nigerian Veterans.

In his address at the meeting, the leader of the delegation, Air  Commodore Femi Oguntuyi (rtd), thanked the Permanent Secretary for his efforts and appreciates the Federal Government for the prompt response to the plight of ex-service men on the Security Debarment Allowance.