Nigeria’s Ministry of Defence says it is committed to eradicating ghost pensioners in the military in order to ensure improved welfare for veterans and other war heroes.

To achieve the eradication, a Military Pension Retiree Identification Card has been launched.

The Minister of Defence, Mr Mansur Dan Ali, who launched the initiative in Abuja on Tuesday, said it had been introduced to ease verification of retirees, eliminate ghost workers and also serve as a debit card to access pension accounts.

“Considering the successes recorded by our own troops in spite of the economic recession in the country, there is no doubt that this calls for the need to appreciate the Armed Forces of Nigeria and other security agencies that are paying the supreme price so that we can live in peace, reassuring our citizens of the armed forces’ commitment to doing all within its powers to maintain oneness of their country,” he stressed.

According to Mr Dan Ali, the ministry is set to provide other services to include health insurance scheme, military cemeteries and loan schemes for ex-service men to appreciate the officers of the armed forces and other security agencies.

“The ministry will continue to engage pensioners through relevant organs like Nigerian legion, the Patrons Affairs Division of the Military Pension Board to ensure that government obligation at all times are being met and to ensure that our pensioners are identified and ghost pensioners’ syndrome eradicated,” he stated. (Channels TV)

•Photo shows Mansur Dan Ali.

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