**Timely Payment of Military Pensioners' Benefits: A National Responsibility** In a recent move to prioritise the welfare of retired military personnel, the Permanent Secretary of the Nigerian Ministry of Defence, Richard Pheelangwah, has called on the Military Pensions Board (MPB) to ensure timely payment of pensions to retired military officers. Mr Pheelangwah made this appeal during a visit to the MPB headquarters in Abuja, where he was received by officials, including the Board Chairman, Mikail Abdullraheem. According to the Permanent Secretary, veterans represent a valuable national asset, and timely payment of pensions is both a moral obligation and a national responsibility. He emphasized that many retired military personnel rely on their pension entitlements for their livelihood and wellbeing, and that delays or administrative challenges could have significant implications for them and their families. In this context, it is worth noting that many Nigerian veterans struggle to make ends meet, and timely payment of pensions would be a major relief. To address this issue, Mr Pheelangwah encouraged the board to continually strengthen its systems and improve efficiency in the disbursement of pensions and gratuities. He also reiterated the ministry's full support for the board's initiatives, stressing that efficient pension administration is a key component of the welfare architecture that sustains both serving and retired military personnel. The visit to the MPB headquarters was also an opportunity for the Permanent Secretary to tour the board's facilities, including the Information and Communications, Archives, and Directorate Departments. Officials briefed him on operational workflows, and the event was attended by senior officials, including the Director of the Joint Services Department and the board's directors and principal staff officers. In a statement, Mr Abdullraheem pledged the board's unwavering commitment to serving retirees and ensuring that their benefits are paid on time. With this renewed commitment, the MPB is expected to improve its efficiency and effectiveness in the administration of pensions to retired military personnel, providing much-needed relief to those who have served the nation.