Nigerian Legion nullifies commissionaires’ de-ranking, reviews key agreements

The Nigerian Legion has nullified the de-ranking of its Corps of Commissionaires and suspended related appointments approved at its 2025 National Council, pending the outcome of a Ministry of Defence review.
National Chairman of the legion, Ms Grace Henry, announced the decision on Wednesday while delivering her welcome address at the 2026 National Council Meeting held at the DEPOWA Secretariat, Asokoro, Abuja.
Henry said resolutions taken at the June 2025 council meeting under retired Maj. Abiola, which upheld the de-ranking and abolition of appointments, had now been set aside. She explained that the Ministry of Defence had constituted a committee to review the operations of the Corps of Commissionaires, noting that further decisions would depend on its recommendations.
She also disclosed that the proposed Memorandum of Understanding with ZIRCON Project Ltd, aimed at sourcing local and international funding for veterans’ welfare, had yet to be signed. According to her, consultations on the agreement were ongoing, with experts engaged to review the document before any action is taken.
The chairman reaffirmed her administration’s commitment to restoring dignity, pride and honour to fallen heroes and living veterans. She said several reforms had begun since her appointment in June 2025, including renovation of facilities at the Legion House to reflect the status of the national leadership.
Henry added that the legion was exploring partnerships with private organisations, including a proposed real estate development on Legion Land at Plot 257, Institution and Research District, Lugbe, Abuja. She said Global-Tech Service Ltd and other organisations would present their proposals to the council before any agreement is finalised.
On the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day, Henry commended state councils for successful events but urged transparency in managing proceeds. She noted that about N750 million pledged at the national level in 2025 remained largely unpaid, advising state chairmen to handle funds prudently to avoid litigation.
She also proposed that a percentage of annual proceeds from the celebration be remitted to the National Headquarters to support administrative activities.
Addressing issues affecting military widows, Henry said the legion had resolved disputes among associations by consolidating them under the Military Widows Association (MIWA). She disclosed that outstanding dues of the previously registered Wives of Fallen Heroes Association had been paid to the Corporate Affairs Commission, with steps initiated to rename it as MIWA.
According to her, elections for the national executive of MIWA were scheduled for Feb. 12.
Henry urged council members to engage in frank deliberations aimed at improving veterans’ welfare and strengthening the legion’s institutional structure. She reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to protecting the interests of veterans and families of fallen heroes.
At the meeting, the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, and the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, were represented.