Nigerian Army Under Lt Gen Oluyede Reaffirms Commitment to Troop Welfare Amidst False Claims
By Chidi Omeje
The Nigerian Army has strongly dismissed as baseless and malicious a recent report by Sahara Reporters alleging discontent among soldiers over delayed promotions and stagnant pay.
In a robust rebuttal issued today, the Army reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to the welfare and professional advancement of its personnel under the dynamic leadership of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede.
The Army described the publication as “misleading” and “anti-military propaganda,” accusing Sahara Reporters of publishing anonymous and unverifiable claims aimed at eroding troop morale.
“Their sources remain anonymous because they are either non-existent or unfit to serve the truth,” the statement signed by Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Appolonia Anele, read.
Contrary to the allegations, the Army reiterated that promotions within its ranks are guided by strict adherence to established procedures and benchmarks, as outlined in the Armed Forces of Nigeria Harmonized Terms and Conditions of Service (HTACOS) for Soldiers, Ratings, and Airmen (2024 edition). Promotions are based on merit, available vacancies, medical fitness, training, and satisfactory performance reports—all subject to the recommendation of a duly constituted promotion board.
“These procedures are not only transparent but align with global best practices,” the Army stated. “No soldier can bypass these processes, and no promotion is delayed or arbitrarily withheld.”
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At the heart of the Army’s current welfare drive is the “Soldier-First Concept,” a visionary programme launched by General Oluyede, which places the wellbeing and morale of troops at the core of operational effectiveness. Since assuming office, General Oluyede has rolled out far-reaching initiatives, including:doubling of ration cash allowance for all personnel; Revamp of the Nigerian Army Welfare Loan Scheme, enabling troops to access loans for small businesses and asset acquisition with minimal bureaucracy and at significantly reduced interest rates; Enhanced living conditions and barracks rehabilitation projects, aimed at improving the quality of life for soldiers and their families.
These efforts, the Army notes, are part of a broader institutional commitment to professional excellence, troop motivation, and operational readiness.
On the issue of salaries and pay increments, the Army clarified that adjustments to the remuneration structure fall under the constitutional authority of relevant federal bodies, not the discretionary control of Army leadership. “Any claim suggesting otherwise is both ignorant and intentionally deceptive,” the statement added.
The Army warned against attempts by “discredited platforms” to destabilize the cohesion of troops and urged the Nigerian public to disregard the Sahara Reporters publication in its entirety.
“Our soldiers remain disciplined, focused, and resolute in their service to the nation. We will not be distracted by propaganda that seeks to undermine our professionalism and integrity,” the Army affirmed.
This latest reaffirmation of troop-centred leadership reflects a broader philosophy taking root within the Nigerian Army—where every soldier counts, and every promotion or welfare package is a building block for a stronger, more effective force.
Under General Oluyede’s watch, the Nigerian Army appears to be marching steadily toward a future where troop welfare is not an afterthought but a foundational pillar of national defence.
