Thursday, September 24, 2026
Abuja — The Federal Government has unveiled a new digital welfare platform designed to provide serving and retired members of the Nigerian Armed Forces and their families with convenient access to essential goods at discounted prices.
The initiative, known as the Armed Forces of Nigeria Personnel Online Discount Shop, was officially launched on Thursday, September 24, 2026, as part of efforts to strengthen the welfare framework for military personnel, veterans and their families.
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, who spoke at the launch, said the welfare of military personnel should extend beyond operational capabilities to include the wellbeing of personnel and their families.
According to him, the platform would ease financial pressures by giving serving and retired personnel access to a range of goods at discounted prices.
Akume said the initiative demonstrates how technology and strategic partnerships can be deployed to deliver practical benefits to Nigerians who have dedicated themselves to national service.
He also commended the Defence Headquarters and Zinox Group for the Memorandum of Understanding underpinning the initiative, stressing that the success of the scheme would ultimately depend on the quality of service and tangible benefits delivered to beneficiaries.
What the platform offers
The digital welfare scheme is expected to provide eligible members of the Armed Forces community with:
- Access to essential goods at discounted prices.
- Convenient online shopping.
- Reduced financial pressure on serving and retired personnel.
- Access to household products and other essential commodities.
- Delivery of purchased goods to preferred locations.
The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, described the initiative as more than an online shopping platform, saying it represents the Federal Government’s commitment to people-centred welfare for the Armed Forces.
He said the military would continue to leverage technology and strategic partnerships to improve welfare and service delivery.
Oluyede also disclosed that the scheme would be expanded to accommodate more vendors and essential commodities. He said the current partnership includes Konga, while discussions are ongoing to bring additional vendors, including suppliers of building materials, into the programme.
Physical shops also planned
The CDS further disclosed plans to establish physical shops where military personnel would be able to purchase goods and services at discounted prices.
He urged serving personnel and veterans to make judicious use of the platform while calling for continuous improvement of the initiative.
Wider welfare measures for veterans
The launch comes days after the Defence Ministry announced a broader package of measures aimed at improving the welfare of retired military personnel.
The measures include an online shopping platform, skills-acquisition centres across the six geopolitical zones, improved healthcare and plans to facilitate access to affordable loans for veterans.
The Federal Government has also repeatedly reaffirmed its commitment to improving the welfare and wellbeing of military veterans and recognising their contributions to Nigeria’s security and national development.
The new digital discount shop therefore forms part of a broader effort to provide practical welfare support to both serving personnel and retired members of the Armed Forces, while using technology to make such benefits more accessible.