The Nigerian Army has dismissed reports of delayed promotions and non-increment of payment and allowances of Nigerian Army personnel under the leadership of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede.
A statement by the Nigerian Army spokesperson, Lt-Col Appolonia Anele, said contrary to the falsehood peddled (not LEADERSHIP), promotions in the Nigerian Army were strictly guided by laid down procedures and merit as well as availability of vacancies and other criteria as captured in the Armed Forces of Nigerian Harmonized Terms and Conditions of Service (HTACOS) Soldiers /Ratings/Airmen 2024.
She said according to paragraph 04.01 of HTACOS, 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.
She added that paragraph 04.02 and 04.04 of HTACOS provides detailed timelines and criteria for promotion of soldiers across all ranks, from private to 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,” she said.
She added that the current army leadership under Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede had consistently demonstrated commitment to the welfare of personnel, including timely promotions, improved living conditions and entitlements as vividly explained in his “Soldier First Concept”.
“Claims of pay stagnation are completely unfounded, as pay structure adjustments fall 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. O.O. Oluyede, on assumption of office, doubled the personnel Ration Cash Allowance,” she said.
She added further that COAS on assumption of duty 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 added.
The spokesperson said 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.
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