The Nigerian Army has dismissed recent claims suggesting delays in promotions and stagnation of payments and allowances under the leadership of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede.

In a statement issued by the Army spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Appolonia Anele, the military described the reports as false and misleading. She emphasized that promotions within the Nigerian Army are governed by a transparent, merit-based system that adheres strictly to the guidelines set out in the Harmonized Terms and Conditions of Service (HTACOS) Soldiers/Ratings/Airmen 2024.

According to her, paragraph 04.01 of HTACOS clearly states that promotions are awarded based on professionalism, hard work, and operational efficiency.

“All promotions are subject to rigorous conditions, including performance evaluations, course completion, medical fitness, minimum service duration, and recommendations by a properly constituted Promotion Board,” Anele explained.

She further referenced paragraphs 04.02 and 04.04 of HTACOS, which outline specific timelines and requirements for promotions across all military ranks—from private to warrant officer.

“These procedures are clear, structured, and aligned with international military standards. Every soldier is familiar with these protocols, and no personnel can circumvent them. Any variation in promotion timelines is a result of these professional benchmarks, not arbitrary decisions or favoritism as wrongly suggested in the reports,” she clarified.

Lieutenant Colonel Anele also highlighted the ongoing commitment of the current Army leadership to personnel welfare. She noted that under Lt. Gen. Oluyede’s administration, there have been consistent improvements in promotion timelines, living conditions, and entitlements, all driven by his “Soldier First Concept.”

Addressing concerns about stagnant pay, she explained that salary adjustments fall under the constitutional jurisdiction of relevant federal agencies, not the discretionary powers of the Army hierarchy.

“It is a matter of public record that upon assuming office, Lt. Gen. Oluyede doubled the Ration Cash Allowance for Army personnel,” she stated.

In addition, she noted that the Chief of Army Staff has enhanced the Nigerian Army Welfare Loan Scheme, designed to support personnel through small business development and asset acquisition. The scheme features minimal bureaucracy and offers low-interest rates to maximize accessibility.

“These initiatives are just a few of the numerous welfare programs introduced by the Chief of Army Staff to enhance the living standards of soldiers and their families,” she added.