MAJ GEN OSIFO ASSUMES OFFICE AS MPB CHAIRMAN, PLEDGES PROMPT AND SEAMLESS PAYMENT OF PENSION BENEFITS

MAJ GEN OSIFO ASSUMES OFFICE AS MPB CHAIRMAN, PLEDGES PROMPT AND SEAMLESS PAYMENT OF PENSION BENEFITS

The new Chairman of the Military Pensions Board (MPB), Major General Julius Ehioze Osifo, has pledged to reposition the Board for the prompt, seamless and less cumbersome payment of pensions, gratuities, arrears and death benefits to retired and discharged Armed Forces personnel and the Next-of-Kin (NOK) of deceased military personnel.
Major General Osifo made the pledge during his formal assumption of office at the Board’s handing/taking-over ceremony on Wednesday, 21st October 2026. He assured military retirees and families of fallen personnel that their welfare would remain central to his leadership, declaring that they would have cause to smile under his watch.
The Chairman stated that his mission would be anchored on ensuring that entitled benefits are processed and paid promptly, with minimal bureaucracy, while maintaining strict safeguards to ensure that only rightful beneficiaries receive their entitlements. In his words, “my mission statement will be anchored on leading a Board that will prioritize all ways and means to ensure payments are prompt, accessed with seamless ease, less cumbersome, less beaucratic but with an overriding commitment to ensuring only the rightful recipients get their due entitlements.” He further assured that “under my watch as Chairman, MPB our veterans and family members of deceased personnel will have cause to smile.”
To achieve this, Major General Osifo identified the deployment of modern technology, proactive identification of beneficiaries in collaboration with the Services, prompt processing of benefits and stronger engagement with critical stakeholders as key strategies. He also pledged to strengthen the capacity of Board personnel through practical, results-oriented training and to uphold high ethical and professional standards in the discharge of their duties. He stated that “my desired end state is to reposition the MPB to be technically proficient towards the optimization of my vision of prompt and seamless payments to veterans and families of fallen heroes.”
The new Chairman further underscored the importance of staff welfare, noting that motivated and competent personnel are essential to effective service delivery. He promised to provide a fair and supportive working environment that enables both military and civilian staff to develop their capacities and contribute meaningfully to the Board’s objectives. He affirmed, “While I demand your commitment and dedication to duty, I assure you that as your commander, l will be fair and equitable to all. I will provide a level playing field and strive to create an environment for all to enhance their capacity and fully develop their potentials.”
Major General Osifo brings extensive experience in military finance, administration and strategic leadership to his new assignment. Before his appointment as Chairman, he served as Director General of the Nigerian Army Finance Corporation. He previously served as Deputy Director Accounts at the Military Pensions Board in 2018, giving him prior experience within the institution. His military career has also included appointments as Registrar, Deputy Commandant and Commandant of the Nigerian Army School of Finance and Administration, Director of Finance at the Nigerian Armed Forces Resettlement Centre, Oshodi, and pioneer Chief J8 of Joint Task Force Operation HADIN KAI in Maiduguri. Between 2012 and 2015, he served as Deputy Defence Attaché at the Embassy of Nigeria in Washington, DC, contributing to efforts to strengthen Nigeria-US defence relations.
Academically, Major General Osifo holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics, a Master’s degree in Economics from the University of Jos and a PhD in Finance. His doctoral research focused on defence budgeting and military operational capacity in Africa, with evidence from Nigeria. His professional development includes the Senior Executive Course 39 at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru. He has also undertaken research on defence finance and terrorism and has presented at international forums. In addition, he serves as an adjunct professor at the University of Ibadan’s Institute of Peace, Security and Humanitarian Studies, where he teaches conflict management, security and defence finance, and budgeting. He is a Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Management, among other professional affiliations.
Acknowledging the foundation laid by his predecessors, the Chairman expressed his commitment to building on their achievements and called on officers, soldiers and civilian staff of the Board to work collectively towards fulfilling its mandate. He described the task of repositioning the Board as a collective responsibility, stating, “All hands must be on deck for the actualization of my vision.”
He expressed appreciation to the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, for the confidence reposed in him, as well as the Chief of Defence Staff and the Minister of Defence for supporting his appointment. He pledged to justify the confidence placed in him, declaring, “I pledge to perform my duties with utmost dedication and commitment and to Service.”
The Military Pensions Board remains committed to improving pension administration and ensuring that those who served the nation, as well as the families of personnel who paid the supreme sacrifice, receive their entitled benefits with dignity and respect.
Signed
Aliyu Mohammed
Squadron Leader
Public Relations Officer
Military Pensions Board