The Nigerian military has announced plans to collaborate with the organised private sector, diplomatic missions, and multilateral organisations to develop a comprehensive support framework aimed at helping retiring senior officers transition smoothly into civilian life.
Chief of Defence Administration (CDA), Rear Admiral Joseph Akpan, disclosed this during the opening of a two-day Pre-Retirement Transition Readiness Workshop themed “Institutionalising Compulsory Rehabilitation and Unified Transition Assistance Training Programme for Retiring Senior Officers.”
Represented by Major General Olatokunbo Bello, Akpan explained that the new initiative would assist officers in adapting to civilian society, addressing the social, psychological, and financial challenges that often accompany retirement from military service.
He described retirement as a major milestone for officers and stressed the military’s responsibility to provide the guidance and resources necessary for a successful transition.
“Moving from structured military service to civilian life presents significant challenges,” he said. “Institutionalising compulsory rehabilitation and transition assistance programmes is therefore indispensable to ensure a seamless transition and long-term well-being for retirees.”
Rear Admiral Akpan noted that many retired officers struggle to convert their military experience into civilian employment opportunities and face emotional adjustments after years of disciplined service.
In her remarks, Workshop Coordinator of the Transition Assistance Programme (TAP), Ijeoma Akwara, called for the institutionalisation of compulsory rehabilitation and transition assistance schemes to ensure consistent and sustained support for retiring officers.
She said the initiative would not only help retirees manage their finances but also link them with potential employers.
“For those who want to continue working, we are engaging the private sector, embassies, multinational corporations, and international agencies to create opportunities for qualified retired senior officers,” Akwara stated.
She added that organisations should deliberately include retired military officers in recruitment processes.
“For instance, if a company is hiring ten people, at least two positions should be reserved for retired senior officers who have completed the Transition Assistance Programme,” she said.
The workshop is part of ongoing efforts by the Defence Headquarters to promote structured reintegration and post-service empowerment for officers exiting the Armed Forces.
