Initiative, launched in Abuja, is designed to provide serving and retired personnel with access to essential goods at discounted prices
ABUJA — The Defence Headquarters has launched an online discount shop designed to provide serving members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, veterans and their families with access to essential goods at discounted prices.
The initiative, known as the Armed Forces of Nigeria Personnel/Veterans Online Discount Shop, was officially launched at Defence Headquarters, Abuja, with the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, CON, serving 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, veterans and their families.
The SGF said military welfare should go beyond occupational amenities, stressing that the wellbeing of personnel and their families was important to sustaining a motivated and resilient Armed Forces.
He commended the Defence Headquarters and Zinox Group for establishing the partnership, saying the initiative demonstrated how digital technology could be used to address contemporary welfare needs.
Akume, however, emphasised the need for transparency, reliability and continuous improvement in the operation of the platform.
According to him, the credibility of the initiative would ultimately depend on the quality of service provided and the tangible benefits received by eligible beneficiaries.
He particularly welcomed the inclusion of veterans and their families, noting that their contributions and sacrifices to national service deserved continued recognition and support.
The SGF urged all stakeholders involved in the scheme to sustain the initiative and ensure that eligible beneficiaries obtain maximum value from the platform.
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, described the online discount shop as a practical expression of the Armed Forces’ commitment to personnel welfare.
Oluyede said the initiative goes beyond providing discounted goods, describing it as a people-centred approach intended to improve the livelihoods of military personnel, veterans and their families through digital innovation and strategic partnerships.
The CDS disclosed that Defence Headquarters would develop a robust database to facilitate effective implementation of the scheme.
He said the database would leverage existing platforms of the various military services as well as pension records to identify and provide access to eligible beneficiaries.
Oluyede also disclosed plans to expand the platform by bringing additional vendors into the scheme, including suppliers of building materials and other essential commodities.
He further revealed that Defence Headquarters plans to establish physical outlets in the future as part of efforts to expand access to the initiative.
The Chairman of Zinox Group, Chief Dr Leo Stan Ekeh, represented at the event by the company’s General Manager, Corporate Governance, Mr Reginald Obiako, expressed appreciation for the opportunity to support the initiative.
Ekeh described the partnership as Zinox Group’s contribution towards recognising the sacrifices and dedication of members of the Armed Forces.
He said 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 Chief of Defence Staff’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 launch was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Defence Headquarters and Zinox Group to formalise the partnership for implementation of the online discount scheme.
The agreement was signed by General Olufemi Oluyede on behalf of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, while Chief Dr Leo Stan Ekeh signed on behalf of Zinox Group.
The Defence Headquarters said the launch and signing of the MoU underscored its commitment to strengthening the welfare of military personnel and veterans through digital innovation, private-sector partnerships and practical interventions designed to improve access to essential goods and services.
IBN News reports that the initiative brings together Defence Headquarters and a private-sector technology partner in a digital welfare arrangement specifically targeted at serving personnel, veterans and their families, with plans for additional vendors and possible physical outlets as the scheme develops.
