The Federal Government on Wednesday launched the Armed Forces of Nigeria members Online Discount Shop, a digital welfare scheme to allow serving military members, veterans and their families access to critical items at discounted costs.
The platform was launched in Abuja on Thursday by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, who praised the Defence Headquarters and other stakeholders for coming up with the initiative. The introduction and specifics of the initiative were confirmed in a statement by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.
“The welfare of the Armed Forces should not be limited to the operational capabilities and the wellbeing of the personnel and their families is an important component of sustaining a motivated and resilient military,” Akume stated.
It will help alleviate the financial pressure on personnel, better their access to necessary goods and services and improve their quality of life, he said.
The plan is in conjunction with Zinox Group to leverage on the Konga digital platform. Defence Headquarters recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Zinox Group to provide a framework for cooperation between the Armed Forces and the commercial sector.
Akume particularly appreciated the addition of veterans and their families, saying their efforts and sacrifices in time of peace and in the face of national security threats ought to be recognised and supported over the long term.
He called on the Defence Headquarters and other partners to keep the plan transparent, reliable and responsive to the demands of beneficiaries, emphasising that its credibility depended ultimately on the quality of service and actual benefits offered.
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Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, said the project is more than an online shopping platform but a people-centred approach to welfare in the Armed Forces.
Oluyede said the scheme would be expanded to accommodate more vendors and vital supplies, noting that plans were underway to construct physical locations in the future. “Accurate data,” he continued, “would be key to sustaining and growing the initiative.
The CDS said the Armed Forces would continue to look at technology and collaborations with the business sector to improve welfare and service delivery to members and their families.
Akume lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support for the Armed Forces and urged eligible troops and veterans to make good use of the platform.
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