New MPB Chair Assumes Command, Pledges Prompt Payment Of Benefits

The new Chairman of the Military Pensions Board (MPB), Maj.-Gen. Julius Ehioze Osifo, on Wednesday, 21 October 2026, assumed command with a pledge to take away bureaucratic bottlenecks, deploy know-how and speed up the fee of pensions, gratuities and dying advantages to retired and discharged navy personnel and the next-of-kin (NOK) of deceased service members.

He warned that delays within the fee of dying advantages to households of troopers killed in motion may undermine troop morale and dishonour the sacrifices of fallen navy personnel,

Osifo mentioned inefficient administration that denied households their entitled advantages may weaken the combating spirit of troops engaged in counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations.

The chairman spoke in the course of the handover and takeover ceremony between him and his predecessor, Air Vice Marshal Mikhail Abdulraheem, on the MPB Headquarters in Abuja.

Drawing from his operational expertise in Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) within the North East, Osifo mentioned the navy’s accountability to its personnel prolonged past their years of lively service to making sure that their households had been adequately catered for after their dying.

“From my personal experience in OPHK, I can tell you outright that inefficient administration leading to default in payments of benefits to NOK of kill-in-action (KIA) personnel not only diminishes the sacrifices of our gallant soldiers, but also dishonours the memory of those killed in action and demoralises the fighting spirit of those in combat,” he mentioned.

He added that navy personnel who retired or had been discharged after meritorious service additionally deserved immediate fee of their entitlements.

Osifo mentioned the nation’s worsening safety state of affairs, characterised by insurgency and terrorism within the North East, banditry within the North West and North Central, separatist violence within the South East, and militancy and oil theft within the South South, had elevated the deployment of troops on operational duties.

According to him, the sacrifices of personnel confronting these threats have to be matched by an environment friendly pension administration system that ensures immediate fee of entitlements to veterans and the households of fallen heroes.

He mentioned his administration would prioritise the well timed processing and fee of advantages whereas guaranteeing that respectable beneficiaries acquired their entitlements with out pointless delays.

“My mission statement will be anchored on leading a Board that will prioritise all ways and means to ensure payments are prompt, accessed with seamless ease, less cumbersome, less bureaucratic, but with an overriding commitment to ensuring only the rightful recipients get their due entitlements,” he mentioned.

Osifo assured navy veterans and the households of deceased personnel that his administration would work to enhance their entry to advantages and scale back the difficulties related to processing claims.

To obtain this, he mentioned the board would undertake fashionable know-how, strengthen collaboration with the navy companies to proactively establish beneficiaries, and speed up the processing of pensions, gratuities, and dying advantages.

He additionally pledged to deepen engagement with the Defence Headquarters, service headquarters, the Ministry of Defence, related National Assembly committees, the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation and the Ministry of Finance to enhance coordination and facilitate the fee course of.

The chairman mentioned the capability and welfare of the board’s navy and civilian personnel would additionally obtain consideration, stressing {that a} well-trained and motivated workforce was important to delivering environment friendly companies.

He promised to uphold excessive moral {and professional} requirements, strengthen coaching and guarantee equity within the remedy of personnel.

“The challenge to reposition the Board is a collective responsibility. In view of this, I implore all officers, servicemen and women and civilian staff to brace up for the enormous task ahead. All hands must be on deck for the actualisation of my vision,” he mentioned.

Osifo thanked the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, for his appointment. He additionally acknowledged the roles of the Chief of Defence Staff and the Minister of Defence in approving his nomination.

The new chairman counseled his predecessors for laying the muse for the board’s improvement and paid tribute to Abdulraheem, his rapid predecessor and coursemate, for his service.

He pledged to construct on the achievements of earlier administrations and reposition the board to supply immediate and environment friendly monetary companies to navy retirees and the households of deceased personnel.

The outgoing Chairman, Air Vice Marshal Mikail Abdulraheem, urged board personnel to maintain teamwork, self-discipline and innovation to enhance the welfare of navy pensioners and their next-of-kin.

Abdulraheem mentioned the board’s mandate transcended particular person management, stressing that its success relied on the collective dedication of its personnel to the welfare of retired navy personnel and their beneficiaries.

“As I hand over leadership today, I urge you all to extend the same cooperation, respect and commitment to my course mate. Give him your support, share your ideas freely, and continue to work as one team,” he mentioned.

“The mandate of this Board is bigger than any individual, and its success depends on our ability to remain united and focused on the welfare of our military pensioners and their Next-of-Kin.”

He thanked officers, women and men, in addition to the board’s civilian workers, for his or her cooperation, dedication and help throughout his tenure.

He attributed the achievements recorded below his management to their collective efforts, professionalism and willingness to work in the direction of widespread targets.