Buratai calls for NYSC reform, stronger veterans’ welfare, regional security cooperation
Former Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai (retd.), has called for far-reaching reforms in Nigeria’s human capital development, veterans’ welfare and regional security architecture to strengthen national unity and long-term stability.
On human capital development, Buratai proposed a revised National Service and Veterans’ Framework, including the transformation of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) into a mandatory National Service Scheme with both military and civic tracks. He said the reform would promote skill acquisition, national cohesion and innovation within the civilian technology sector.
He also urged the passage of a Veterans’ Rights and Transition Bill to guarantee timely payment of pensions, access to healthcare, skill conversion programmes and legal protection for retired military personnel.
Buratai further recommended the institutionalisation of permanent Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) directorates within the Ministry of Defence and service headquarters. According to him, this would ensure structured collaboration with civilian ministries in post-conflict development while preventing mission creep by the military.
On regional security, he stressed the need to deepen cooperation through multilateral frameworks such as the Multinational Joint Task Force and the Gulf of Guinea maritime security architecture, noting that collective action remains critical in addressing transnational threats and promoting regional stability.
He said a balanced approach to defence reform, internal security restructuring and regional cooperation would enable Nigeria to optimise its resources, strengthen national unity and secure a more prosperous future.
Earlier, the Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (retd.), reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to building a capable, professional and resilient Armed Forces to protect Nigeria’s sovereignty and support national development.
Musa said the ministry, under the current administration, is prioritising troop welfare, improved training, doctrinal refinement and the expansion of indigenous defence production to ensure sustainable long-term security.
He added that ongoing policy and legislative reforms are revitalising local defence industries, encouraging private-sector participation, creating jobs, deepening local content and reducing dependence on foreign suppliers.
