In an exclusive interview with The Legacy Series, Chief Olabode George, a retired Commodore in the Nigerian Navy and former Military Governor of Ondo State, opened up about the harsh realities facing many retired senior military officers in Nigeria.
With decades of distinguished service to the nation, including his time as a high-ranking naval officer and administrator, Chief George revealed that his monthly pension stands at just 225,000 naira. He described the amount as shockingly inadequate for someone of his stature and service record.
“If I fly to Abuja once, I can’t come back,” he said, painting a vivid picture of how limited the funds are. According to him, a single trip to the capital would exhaust his resources, making a return journey to Lagos nearly impossible without additional support.
Chief George further disclosed that the situation could have been even worse. He credited former President Olusegun Obasanjo for intervening during his administration. Without that timely increase, the pension would have remained around 100,000 naira per month.
In his own candid words: “Even me, a retired general, what is my pension? 225,000 naira. If I fly to Abuja once, I can’t come back. 225 thousand naira is all we get — go and check it. Thank God Baba Obasanjo increased it; otherwise, it would be around 100 thousand naira.”
This revelation has sparked conversations about the welfare of retired military personnel in Nigeria. Many observers note that while the country demands loyalty and sacrifice from its armed forces during their active years, the post-service benefits often fall short of expectations, especially amid rising living costs, inflation, and economic pressures.
Chief George’s frank admission highlights a broader concern: if a senior retired officer like a Commodore struggles with such a modest pension, what does it say about the support given to lower-ranking veterans? His comments serve as a sobering reminder of the need for a more sustainable and dignified pension system for those who dedicated their lives to defending the nation.
At a time when Nigeria continues to grapple with economic challenges, stories like this underscore the importance of honoring retirees — not just with words, but with adequate financial security that reflects their years of service and sacrifice.
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