In a move aimed at bolstering the support for the Armed Forces of Nigeria, the Honourable Minister of State for Defence, H.E. Dr. Bello Muhammed Matawalle MON, has announced the approval of the 2024 budget for the Defence Health Maintenance Limited (DHML).
Speaking at the 34th meeting of the Board of Directors of the organization, Dr. Matawalle emphasized that the budget allocation underscores President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR’s Renewed Hope Agenda, prioritizing the welfare of Nigerian military personnel.
Dr. Matawalle commended the Board members for their dedication and urged them to exercise prudence in managing the allocated resources to fulfill DHML’s mandate effectively.
Notably, the Minister highlighted the Board’s endorsement for the payment of a severance allowance equivalent to 40% of the staff’s basic salary, signaling the government’s commitment to prioritizing the welfare of DHML personnel.
The Defence Health Maintenance Limited, tasked with providing healthcare services to veterans, has been lauded by the Minister for its unwavering commitment.
He assured that the government will continue to prioritize the provision of quality healthcare services not only to veterans but also to citizens at large.
Among the dignitaries present at the meeting were members of the Board, including Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana mni, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry; General Christopher G. Musa OFR, Chief of Defence Staff; Lieutenant General Toreeb Abiodun Lagbaja, Chief of Army Staff; Vice Admiral I. Emmanuel Ogalla, Chief of Naval Staff; and Air Marshal Hassan Bala Abubakar, Chief of Air Staff.
Also in attendance were Surgeon Rear Admiral AB Afolayan (Rtd), the Managing Director of DHML, Brigadier General MN Inuwa, Principal General Staff Officer to the Honourable Minister of State for Defence, and other senior officials from DHML.
In response to some operational challenges faced by the organization, the Minister directed the establishment of a technical committee tasked with addressing these issues to ensure the effective functioning of DHML.
The approval of the 2024 budget for DHML reflects the government’s unwavering commitment to supporting the welfare and healthcare needs of the Nigerian Armed Forces, underlining a significant step towards achieving operational effectiveness and fulfilling the Renewed Hope Agenda.
LV