Nigerian Army Confirms Delay In Payment Of Feeding Allowance For Soldiers, Gives Reason

The Nigerian Army has given reasons for the delay in the payment of food allowance to soldiers providing security for Chinese workers at the Zungeru Hydro Electricity Dam Project in Niger state.

The Army in its explanation also denied reports that some senior officers had diverted the three months Ration Cash Allowances (RCA) meant for the soldiers.

The Director of Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu in a statement on Monday said contrary to some reports that the fund had been diverted, the delay in payment is due to a delay in receipt of funds from the concerned institution.

He added that the Nigerian Army under the leadership of Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja has a zero-tolerance posture for any form of financial misappropriation and places priority on the welfare of troops.

He said: “However, contrary to the insinuations made in the online report, preliminary investigation reveals that troops deployed at the Chinese Company in Niger state have always been paid in tranches by the Nigerian Army on receipt of the funds from the institution concerned.

“Accordingly, the last tranche payment of RCA by the affected institution for the troops deployed, elapsed on 28 February 2023. While the next tranche of payment is being processed, Army Headquarters has paid the troops covering the period 1 March – 30 June 2023 in a bid to ameliorate the operating conditions of the troops and keep them at par with deployments elsewhere.

“To cushion the effect of the tranche mode of payment, provision was made to feed the troops daily and this has been a routine. The troops’ RCA was therefore not diverted by any of the senior officers named in the publication or anyone else, as wrongly portrayed.

“Much as the NA understands the concern raised by the online media regarding these allegations, we wish to state unequivocally that, under the leadership of Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, the welfare of troops takes a premium place amongst other important schemes and considerations, as it is one of the vital pillars of his Command Philosophy, which is to provide “Sound Administration” for personnel of the NA.”

Nwachukwu also reiterated the commitment of the Army to upholding integrity, transparency, and accountability in the administration of the welfare of troops.

“The Nigerian Army does not only recognize the importance of ensuring the welfare and well-being of its personnel but also appreciates its positive impact on their overall morale,” he said.