The Nigerian Army has dismissed reports of delayed promotions, non-increment of salaries and allowances of its personnel under the leadership of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede.
Spokesperson of the Nigerian Army, Lt.-Col. Appolonia Anele, in a statement, said contrary to the falsehood peddled by a news medium (not LEADERSHIP), promotions in the Nigerian Army are strictly guided by laid down procedures, merit as well as availability of vacancies, and other laid-down criteria as captured in the Armed Forces of Nigerian Harmonised Terms and Conditions of Service (HTACOS) Soldiers /Ratings/Airmen 2024.
She cited paragraph 04.01 of HTACOS specifying that promotion is granted in recognition of hard work, professionalism and efficiency.
“Every promotion is subject to stringent conditions such as performance reports, completion of required courses, medical fitness, service duration and recommendation by a duly constituted Promotion Board,” she said.
The Army spokesperson added that paragraph 04.02 and 04.04 of HTACOS also provides detailed timelines and criteria for promotion of soldiers across all ranks, from Private to Army Warrant Officer.
“These regulations are transparent, well-structured and in line with global military best practices. Every service personnel is aware of this provision and guideline. No soldier can bypass these processes and any change in timeline is strictly tied to these professional standards, not arbitrary decisions or personal discretion as erroneously suggested by the publication,”Anene explained.
She stated further that the current Army leadership, under Lt.-Gen. Oluyede has consistently demonstrated commitment to the welfare of personnel through timely promotions, improved living conditions and payment of entitlements as vividly explained in his “Soldier First Concept”.
“Claims of pay stagnation are completely unfounded, as pay structure adjustments falls under the constitutional purview of the appropriate federal institutions and not within the unilateral control of the Army leadership.
“It is on record that the Chief of Army Staff Lt.-Gen. OO Oluyede, on assumption of office, doubled the personnel Ration Cash Allowance,” the statement recalled.
Anene added further that the Army chief has also enhanced the Nigerian Army Welfare Loan Scheme for troops.
“This is aimed at empowering personnel through SME development and assets acquisition with minimum bureaucracy and low interest rate,” she said.
Anene stated further that these were among several other welfare schemes, programmes and interventions of the Chief of Army Staff aimed at improving the quality of lives of personnel and their families.
She accused a section of the media of anti-military bias with a long history of sensationalism.
“Their sources remain anonymous because they are either non-existent or unfit to serve the truth,” she stated.
The Nigerian Army therefore, urged the public to disregard the publication in its entirety, saying it lacked both substance and credibility.
The spokesperson reassured that the Nigerian Army remains a professional and disciplined force, guided by due process, and will not be distracted by propaganda from discredited platforms seeking to destabilise the morale and cohesion of its gallant troops.
“The Nigerian Army continues to uphold excellence, transparency, and dedication to duty in service to the nation,” she said.
