The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, has approved an increase in the daily Ration Cash Allowance (RCA) for troops of the Nigerian Army from ₦1,500 to ₦3,000. The new allowance will take effect at the end of March 2024.
General Oluyede made this announcement on Wednesday while addressing officers and soldiers of the 81 Division of the Nigerian Army at the 9th Brigade Parade Ground in Ikeja, Lagos. His visit was part of a duty tour to inspect project sites under the division’s area of responsibility.
During his speech, Oluyede expressed dissatisfaction over the fact that soldiers were still being fed on a daily allowance of ₦1,500. He assured them that their welfare remained a priority under his leadership.
Addressing Welfare and Housing Challenges
The Army Chief also acknowledged the accommodation problems faced by warrant officers who are approaching retirement. Many of them, he said, do not have homes to settle in after their years of service.
To tackle this issue, Oluyede announced that the Nigerian Army has introduced a housing scheme designed to provide affordable homes for military personnel.
“I am building on what my predecessors have done to improve the welfare of our personnel. In December, we unveiled the first set of houses under the Nigerian Army Housing Scheme in Abuja. Currently, we have started another phase in Ibadan. We have also secured land for new housing units in Jos,” he said.
According to Oluyede, the initiative has also extended to Port Harcourt, Owerri, and Akwa Ibom State. He noted that the housing scheme offers soldiers the opportunity to own homes at significantly lower costs than what is available in the general real estate market.
“You will all agree with me that it is difficult to buy a two- or three-bedroom house for as low as ₦8 million in Nigeria today. But under this scheme, we are making that possible. This is a major investment by the Army to ensure that soldiers have a comfortable life after service,” he explained.
The COAS assured soldiers that the process would be accelerated so that more personnel could benefit, urging them to take the opportunity seriously.
Introduction of Low-Interest Loan Scheme
In addition to housing, Oluyede introduced a low-interest loan scheme for soldiers. He revealed that the loans would attract only a 3% interest rate, making it more affordable compared to commercial banks where rates are much higher.
“If you go to any bank today, the lowest interest rate you will find is around 25%. We have deliberately kept our rate low to make it accessible to every soldier,” he stated.
He further assured the troops that more funds would be injected into the loan scheme so that those with pressing financial needs could apply. However, he advised soldiers to borrow only when necessary.
“I encourage you to apply for this loan if you truly need it. But if it is not urgent, then it is best to avoid taking a loan because repayment can be challenging. That said, it is available, and once your application is approved, you will receive the money as soon as possible,” he said.
Provision of Military Kits
Another major concern raised during Oluyede’s address was the availability of military uniforms and kits. Some soldiers had complained about purchasing their own uniforms due to shortages.
In response, Oluyede assured them that the Army had already begun distributing 100,000 kits every month. He explained that smaller divisions had already received their allocations and that the 82nd Division was next in line.
“Once we complete distribution at the 82nd Division, we will proceed with issuing more uniforms to this division. Before the end of the year, you should all expect another set,” he promised.
He admitted that obtaining military kits had been a challenge but reassured troops that efforts were in place to ensure adequate supply.
Commitment to Troops’ Well-Being
Throughout his speech, General Oluyede encouraged soldiers to remain committed to their duties. He acknowledged their efforts in ensuring the security and stability of the country, urging them to stay disciplined and dedicated to their work.
He assured the troops that their sacrifices were recognized and that steps were being taken to improve their living and working conditions.
Context and Background
The Nigerian Army plays a crucial role in maintaining security across the country. Soldiers are deployed in various regions to combat insurgency, banditry, and other security threats. However, over the years, concerns have been raised about the welfare of military personnel, including poor feeding allowances, inadequate accommodation, and delays in receiving essential supplies.
The issue of feeding allowance has particularly been a subject of debate. Many soldiers have complained that ₦1,500 per day is insufficient to maintain a healthy diet, especially considering the physical demands of their job. The increase to ₦3,000 is seen as a significant improvement that will positively impact their nutrition and overall well-being.
Similarly, the introduction of affordable housing for soldiers is a major development. Many military personnel struggle to secure decent housing after retirement due to financial constraints. By providing homes at subsidized rates, the Nigerian Army is ensuring that its officers and soldiers can transition into civilian life with dignity.
The new loan scheme is also expected to provide financial relief to soldiers who may be dealing with emergencies or important personal expenses. By keeping the interest rate low at 3%, the Army has made it easier for troops to access financial support without falling into heavy debt.
The provision of military uniforms is another issue that has long troubled Nigerian soldiers. Many have had to buy their own kits due to shortages in distribution. With the COAS’s assurance that 100,000 kits are being distributed every month, this problem is expected to be resolved soon.
Reactions to the Announcement
Following the COAS’s announcement, many soldiers expressed relief and gratitude for the new measures. Some described the feeding allowance increase as long overdue, while others welcomed the housing and loan initiatives.
A soldier who spoke anonymously said, “This is a good move by the Army leadership. We have been managing with ₦1,500, but it was not enough. Now, ₦3,000 will make a real difference.”
Another soldier appreciated the housing scheme, saying, “Many of us worry about what will happen after retirement. If we can own a house at an affordable rate, it will be a huge relief.”
While most soldiers welcomed the announcements, some expressed concerns about the implementation process. They called for transparency in the allocation of housing and loans to ensure that all personnel benefit fairly.
