Nigerian Legion Seeks Subsidised Farm Inputs for Military Veterans

News in brief:

-Nigerian Legion seeks subsidised fertilisers and farm tools for veterans, citing rising input costs as a major constraint.

-There are already engagements underway with the agriculture ministry to move this action forward.

The Nigerian Legion has initiated discussions with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FAMFS) to secure subsidised farm inputs and implements for military veterans engaged in agriculture, as part of efforts to strengthen their post-retirement livelihoods.

The engagement was disclosed during a medical outreach organised for veterans to mark activities commemorating the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day.

According to the group, the initiative aims to ease the burden of rising production costs for retired service personnel who have turned to farming as a primary source of income.

Veterans Cite Rising Input Costs as Key Challenge

Several veterans who attended the outreach said escalating prices of fertilisers, agro-chemicals, and farm machinery were undermining their ability to sustain agricultural activities after retirement.

A retired Master Warrant Officer of the Nigerian Air Force, Mr Emmanuel Waniko, said he ventured into farming after leaving active service, but was struggling to cope with increasing input costs.

He urged the Federal Government to prioritise retired military personnel in agricultural intervention programmes, noting that pension income was no longer sufficient to absorb the cost pressures associated with modern farming.

Calls for Broader Agricultural Welfare Interventions

Another veteran, Mr Magaji Abdallah, also a retired Master Warrant Officer of the Nigerian Army, acknowledged improvements in pension administration but appealed for broader welfare measures.

He stressed that targeted agricultural support would significantly benefit retired personnel living in rural communities, many of whom rely on farming for survival.

According to him, access to subsidised inputs would not only improve productivity but also enhance food security and income stability among veterans.

Legion Confirms Ongoing Discussions

Responding to the concerns raised, the National Chairman of the Nigerian Legion, Mrs Grace Henry, confirmed that formal engagements were ongoing with the ministry to facilitate access to subsidised farm inputs for veterans.

She said applications had already been submitted for fertilisers, agro-chemicals, and farming implements, expressing optimism that the discussions would lead to tangible outcomes.

Henry described agriculture as a critical focus area for the Legion’s welfare advocacy, given the growing number of retired personnel engaged in farming.

Defence Ministry Highlights Broader Welfare Framework

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, Mr Richard Pheelangwa, said the medical outreach was organised by the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day Planning Committee as part of efforts to support retired military personnel.

While the outreach focused primarily on healthcare, he noted that veterans’ welfare extended beyond medical needs, adding that institutional frameworks existed to address long-term social and economic well-being, including support for those engaged in agriculture.

The outreach featured free medical services, including eye screening, blood pressure checks, treatment, and referrals for various ailments.

In addition, about 100 beneficiaries received 25kg bags of rice during the event.

Stakeholders in the programme said improved access to subsidised agricultural inputs would significantly enhance the livelihoods of veterans who depend on farming after years of service to the nation.