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SENSITIZATION OF NIGERIAN ARMY TROOPS ON CONSOLIDATED ARMED FORCES SALARY STRUCTURE AS IT AFFECTS FURNITURE, LEAVE GRANT AND TRANSPORT ALLOWANCES.
1. The NA commenced the implementation of the Consolidated Armed Forces Salary Structure (CONAFSS) with effect from January 2008. Subsequently Mr President approved additional 15% increase on the CONAFSS for the Armed Forces following Presidential approval for increase in salaries and allowances by the National Salaries Incomes and Wages Commission. All outstanding arrears accruable to all NA personnel were settled accordingly. As expected, the current CONAFSS significantly improved the financial standing of NA personnel as well as boosting troops morale.
2. The CONAFSS is, simply put, the embedding of allowances that were hitherto paid separately with basic salary to form an all inclusive remuneration package as part of the on-going Federal Government reforms in all spheres of our national life. For the avoidance of doubt, the items (allowances) consolidated with the basic salaries to form the remuneration package of every NA personnel are as follows:
a. Transport allowance.
b. Meal subsidy.
c. Utility allowance.
d. Leave grant.
e. Uniform maintenance allowance.
f. Hazard allowance.
g. House upkeep allowance.
h. General services allowance.
i. Entertainment allowance.
j. Command expenses allowance.
k. Non-practicing allowance.
l. Hardlying allowance.
m. Torchlight allowance.
n. Retention incentive allowance.
o. Qualifying pay allowance.
p. Personal servant allowance (for entitled officers).
q. Furniture maintenance/furniture allowance.
3. It has been sadly observed that, recently, wild and malicious rumours on unpaid allowances are being circulated across NA formations and units probably with the intent of causing disaffection amongst troops and dampening morale. Specifically, the rumour mongers purport that troops are denied furniture, leave and transport allowances despite the fact that such allowances have already been catered for in CONAFSS as enunciated in Paragraph 2a 2d and 2q. Such spurious allegations aimed at projecting the NA authorities in bad light is a manifestation of gross indiscipline and therefore unacceptable. It is worrisome that at this time of our transformation rumour still has a place in the NA despite numerous avenues available to officers and soldiers alike to clear their doubts. In the worst case scenario troops could easily have cross checked such claims from the sister Services since the CONAFSS is not unique to the NA.
4. In the light of the foregoing, I am directed to draw your attention to the above and warn all NA personnel to desist forthwith from conjuring and peddling spurious and unsubstantiated allegations. All personnel are advised to watch out for subversive and disloyal elements amongst us and report them to ASA immediately. Henceforth all forms of rumours capable of misleading troops would be investigated and perpetrators would be severely sanctioned. In addition, commanders and unit RSMs would be held responsible for any act of indiscipline associated with such rumours in their respective units, and appropriate steps would be taken in accordance with NA disciplinary procedures
5. Furthermore, all commanders/commandants are to conduct special durbar with a view to educating all their troops on the true position of things with respect to approved emoluments and entitlements as provided in the CONAFSS.
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The
office of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) is at the apex of the NA
structure. It exists under his command, to deter all forms of
aggression and render MACA and MACP. Section 18(3) of the Armed Forces
Act CAP A20 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004, saddles the COAS
with the responsibility of command, direction and general
superintendence of the Army.
