The Nigerian Army has dismissed some online reports of corruption and diversion of troops’ Ration Cash Allowance (RCA), allegedly made by troops providing security for Chinese nationals working on the Zungeru Hydroelectric Dam project in Niger State.
Director, Army Public Relations, brigadier general Onyema Nwachukwu, in a statement said the Army places premium on the welfare of its troops amongst other important schemes and considerations.
He stated that the publication claimed that the troops alleged that their erstwhile General Officer Commanding, Bamidele Alabi, a major general, and Jamiu Jimoh, a brigadier general, did not pay their RCAs for three months.
“Contrary to insinuations made in the online report, troops deployed at the Chinese company in Niger have always been paid in tranches upon receipt of funds from the relevant institution.
“The last tranche payment of RCA to the troops by the affected institution elapsed on 28 February.
“The next tranche of payment is being processed.
“Army Headquarters has paid the troops for March to June to ameliorate their operating conditions and to keep them at par with deployments elsewhere.
The Nigerian Army in the statement said under the leadership of Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, welfare is one of the vital pillars of his Command Philosophy, which is to provide “Sound Administration” for personnel of the Nigerian Army.
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The statement further said as much as the Nigerian Army understands the concerns raised by the online media regarding the allegations, it wish to state unequivocally that the Nigerian Army has zero tolerance posture for any form of financial misappropriation and is strongly averse to any action inimical to the morale of troops.
Additionally, to cushion the effect of the tranche mode of payment, provision was made to feed the troops daily and this has been a routine. It further Clarified that the troops’ RCA was therefore not diverted by any of the senior officers named in the publication or anyone else, as wrongly portrayed.
The Nigerian Army says it remains committed to upholding integrity, transparency and accountability in the administration of the welfare of troops in all its operations and other endeavours, as contained in the Command Philosophy of the Chief of Army Staff “To transform the NA into a well-trained, equipped and highly motivated force towards achieving our constitutional responsibilities within a joint environment”.
“Therefore, the NA 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,” the statement added.
