Online platform offers serving personnel, retirees and families access to essential goods at preferential prices

By Chioma Vivian James

The Defence Headquarters has unveiled a digital discount platform designed to improve the welfare of serving and retired members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and their families by providing access to essential goods at preferential prices.

The initiative, launched in Abuja on Thursday, is a partnership between the Defence Headquarters and Zinox Group, with the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, as Special Guest of Honour.

Speaking at the launch, Akume described the initiative as a practical intervention aimed at strengthening the welfare of military personnel and their families, stressing that the wellbeing of service members remained central to sustaining a motivated, resilient and effective Armed Forces.

He commended the Defence Headquarters and Zinox Group for the partnership, noting that the initiative demonstrated how digital technology could be deployed to address contemporary welfare needs and improve access to essential commodities.

The SGF, however, stressed the importance of transparency, reliability and continuous improvement in the operation of the platform, noting that its credibility would ultimately depend on the quality of services provided and the tangible benefits delivered to beneficiaries.

He also welcomed the inclusion of veterans and their families, saying their contributions and sacrifices to national service deserved continued recognition and support.

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, described the Defence Discount Scheme as a practical demonstration of the Armed Forces’ commitment to putting the welfare of its personnel and veterans at the centre of its leadership agenda.

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

He disclosed that the Defence Headquarters would develop a robust database, leveraging existing Service platforms and pension records, to facilitate effective implementation of the scheme and ensure that eligible beneficiaries have seamless access to the platform.

The CDS further revealed plans to expand the scheme by bringing more vendors on board, including suppliers of building materials and other essential commodities, while physical outlets would also be established in the future.

He said the expansion would further increase the range of goods and services available to beneficiaries while complementing the digital platform.

The Chairman of Zinox Group, Chief Dr Leo Stan Ekeh, represented by the company’s General Manager, Corporate Governance, Mr Reginald Obiako, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to the partnership and its objectives.

Ekeh described the initiative as Zinox Group’s contribution towards recognising the sacrifices, dedication and service of members of the Armed Forces.

He said the platform would provide beneficiaries with convenient access to quality products at preferential prices, while demonstrating the role of technology and private-sector partnerships in supporting national institutions.

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 ceremony was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Defence Headquarters and Zinox Group, formally establishing 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 marked another step towards strengthening the welfare of military personnel and veterans through digital innovation, strategic partnerships and practical interventions designed to improve access to essential goods and services.