Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), has praised President Bola Tinubu for approving a 20% increase in pensions for Armed Forces personnel, both serving and retired. This increase, effective from January 2024, was highlighted during the 2024 Accounts and Budget Seminar held from July 25 to July 26 at the Naval Dockyard in Lagos.
Ogalla, represented by Rear Admiral Joseph Akpan at the seminar, lauded Tinubu for his commitment to improving the welfare of military personnel. He noted that this pension increase, alongside other welfare initiatives, aims to boost morale and operational efficiency within the Nigerian Navy.
The seminar, themed “Optimising Nigerian Navy Non-Public Fund Opportunities In A Dynamic Economic Environment,” focused on enhancing personnel welfare through non-public funds. Ogalla emphasized the importance of transparency, accountability, and innovative strategies in managing these funds to support the well-being of Navy personnel and improve operational effectiveness.
He also highlighted existing schemes such as the navy insurance, car refurbishing loan, and welfare loan schemes, managed by the Directorate of Non-Public Funds. Ogalla encouraged the exploration of additional welfare packages like mortgage schemes to further strengthen the naval force.
The CNS expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for his ongoing support and dedication to the Armed Forces, underscoring the administration’s role in advancing national security and economic prosperity.