Defence Headquarters Launches Online Discount Shop for Military Personnel, Veterans

By Aviashima Toom, Abuja 

The Defence Headquarters has launched an online discount shop to enable serving and retired members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, as well as their families, access essential goods at preferential prices.

The initiative was launched on Thursday in Abuja by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, who served as the Special Guest of Honour at the event.

Akume described the initiative as a practical intervention aimed at improving the welfare of military personnel, veterans and their families, stressing that the wellbeing of service members and their dependants was essential to maintaining a motivated and resilient Armed Forces.

He commended the Defence Headquarters and Zinox Group for the partnership, saying the initiative demonstrated how digital technology could be deployed to address contemporary welfare needs.

The SGF, however, emphasised the need for transparency, reliability and continuous improvement of the platform, noting that its credibility would ultimately depend on the quality of service and tangible benefits delivered to beneficiaries.

He also welcomed the inclusion of veterans and their families in the scheme, noting that their contributions to national service deserved continued recognition and support.

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, described the online discount shop as a practical expression of the Armed Forces' commitment to personnel welfare.

According to him, the initiative goes beyond providing discounted goods, as it represents a people-centred approach to improving the livelihoods of military personnel, veterans and their families through digital innovation and strategic partnerships.

Oluyede disclosed that the Defence Headquarters would develop a robust database, leveraging existing Service platforms and pension records, to facilitate effective implementation of the scheme.

He added that the platform would be expanded to accommodate more vendors, including suppliers of building materials and other essential commodities, while plans were also underway to establish physical outlets in the future.

The Chairman of Zinox Group, Chief Dr Leo Stan Ekeh, represented by the company's General Manager, Corporate Governance, Mr Reginald Obiako, expressed appreciation for the opportunity to support the initiative.

Ekeh said the partnership was Zinox Group's contribution towards recognising the sacrifices and dedication of members of the Armed Forces, adding that the platform would provide beneficiaries with convenient access to quality products at preferential prices.

Earlier, the Chief of Transformation and Innovation, Defence Headquarters, Air Vice Marshal Idris Alhaji, said the Defence Discount Scheme was one of several welfare initiatives being introduced under the CDS's "Soldier First" leadership principle.

He said the initiative reflected the commitment of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces to improving the welfare of serving personnel, veterans and their families.

A major highlight of the event was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Defence Headquarters and Zinox Group to formalise the partnership.

The MoU was signed by General Olufemi Oluyede on behalf of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and Chief Dr Leo Stan Ekeh on behalf of Zinox Group.

The Defence Headquarters said the launch and partnership underscored its commitment to strengthening personnel and veteran welfare through digital innovation, strategic partnerships and practical interventions aimed at improving access to essential goods and services.