Army Dismisses Allegations of Delayed Promotions, Stagnant Allowances
The Nigerian Army has firmly refuted recent media reports alleging delays in the promotion of personnel, as well as stagnation in salaries and allowances under the leadership of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede.
In a statement issued on Friday, the Director of Army Public Relations, Lt.-Col. Appolonia Anele, described the report—published by an unnamed news outlet (not PRNigeria)—as false and misleading.this
She clarified that promotions in the Nigerian Army are governed by a robust and transparent process, as outlined in the Armed Forces of Nigeria Harmonised Terms and Conditions of Service (HTACOS) 2024 for Soldiers, Ratings, and Airmen.
“Promotion within the Nigerian Army is strictly based on merit, availability of vacancies, and compliance with established guidelines,” Lt.-Col. Anele stated. She cited paragraph 04.01 of the HTACOS, which emphasizes that promotions are granted in recognition of hard work, professionalism, and efficiency.
According to her, several stringent criteria must be met before a promotion is approved, including satisfactory performance evaluations, completion of requisite military courses, proven medical fitness, minimum service duration, and formal endorsement by a duly constituted Promotion Board.
Further referencing paragraphs 04.02 and 04.04 of the HTACOS, Anele noted that these sections detail the timelines and procedures applicable to promotions from the rank of Private to Army Warrant Officer.
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“These promotion protocols are not only clearly defined but also aligned with international best practices. Every personnel is familiar with them, and no soldier can circumvent the process. Any perceived delay is a function of these established professional standards—not arbitrary or discretionary actions, as erroneously claimed,” she said.
Addressing the issue of welfare, Anele reaffirmed the commitment of the current Army leadership to the well-being of its personnel, noting that under Lt.-Gen. Oluyede’s “Soldier First Concept,” significant improvements have been recorded.
“Contrary to the publication’s claims, there has been no stagnation in pay. Adjustments in military salary structures fall under the purview of constitutionally empowered federal institutions, not the Army leadership,” she explained.
The statement recalled that upon assumption of office, the COAS doubled the Ration Cash Allowance for personnel and enhanced the Nigerian Army Welfare Loan Scheme. This initiative, Anele noted, was designed to support troops in accessing loans for small-scale enterprises and asset acquisition with minimal bureaucracy and at low interest rates.
“These are just a few among many welfare programmes implemented by the current leadership to uplift the standard of living of Army personnel and their families,” she added.
Lt.-Col. Anele criticized certain sections of the media for what she described as a sustained anti-military agenda characterized by sensationalism and the use of unverifiable sources.
“Their so-called anonymous sources either do not exist or are wholly unreliable,” she said, urging the public to disregard the report in its entirety due to its lack of credibility and factual accuracy.
She concluded by reiterating that the Nigerian Army remains a highly professional and disciplined institution guided by due process and committed to excellence, transparency, and unwavering service to the nation.
“The Army will not be distracted by propaganda aimed at undermining the morale and cohesion of our gallant troops,” she affirmed.
By PRNigeria
