The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Awwal Gambo, has assured the Military Pensions Board (MPB) of more support to enable the board to deliver on mandate to the armed forces pensioners.
Gambo made the pledge while inaugurating staff and transit accommodation quarters, office accommodation and sports complex among others at the board's permanent site in Dutse, Abuja on Monday.
He commended the effort of the board in ensuring that the members of staff were well prepared to meet the needs of the pensioners and Next-of-Kin (NOK) of the deceased personnel.
The CNS also lauded MPB management for the huge investment in infrastructure upgrade in the face of dwindling national resources amidst other competing demands coupled with global economic downturn arising from the COVID-19 pandemic.
He also commended the leadership for the prudent utilisation of limited resources for the improvement of the welfare of personnel, civilian staff, retirees and NOKs of deceased personnel.
According to him, the newly constructed transit accommodation for officers and non-commissioned officers as well as the remodeled 24 office spaces would address the accommodation challenges faced by personnel at the Board.
He said that the projects would in addition to boosting the aesthetic outlook of the board, create the desired ambience that would motivate the staff and enhance operational efficiency.
"let me quickly state that the Nigerian Navy under my leadership would continue to support the MPB towards the improvement of the welfare of our veterans and support to NOK's of deceased personnel.
"Let me also reiterate that President Muhammadu Buhari will continue to support our veterans as well as serving members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
"I, therefore, urge you all to remain focused to sustain the Board on the path of progress.
"Be assured of the NN's support to the activities of the MPB towards enhancing the welfare of veterans and pensioners," he said.
Gambo further lauded the board on the plan to embark on Electronic Verification of military pensioners to replace the Manual System, saying it would resolve the challenges experienced in the existing system.
According to him, it would lead to substantial financial savings to the federal government through the progressive elimination of ghost or deceased pensioners while also eliminating the stress the senior citizens endure during manual verification exercises.
Earlier, the Chairman of MPB, Commodore Saburi Lawal, said the projects were executed to cushion the effect of the rental expenses incurred by the board on a yearly basis runs into several millions of naira.
Lawal said that the projects included two blocks of eight units each of one-bedroom transit apartments for officers and five blocks of 16 self-contained rooms for non-commissioned officers.
According to him, it also became imperative to build some support facilities in anticipation of accommodating more personnel and their families within the MPB complex.
"To this end, a multipurpose minimart was constructed.
"The minimart comprises a mini supermarket, a Unisex saloon, a laundry shop and a relaxation area for non-commissioned officers.
"The minimart would be managed by the MPB Officers Wives Association to support the Internally Generated Revenue efforts of the Association," he said.
The chairman lamented the state of the access road to the complex and urged the Federal Capital Development Authority to considered providing road infrastructure in the area.
He said that pensioners had been receiving their monthly pensions before the end of each month since he assumed office in 2020.
He added that gratuities of all retirees who retired from service as of July and whose retirement documents had been received had since been paid.
"We have also ensured payments of death benefits to NOKs of deceased personnel who have been recommended by the Services and cleared as genuine NOK by the MPB NOK Committee.
"In addition, I am happy to inform that all retirees are presently being paid in accordance with the new pension chart as approved by the Federal government.