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Tinubu approves new conditions of service for military personnel
President Bola Tinubu, on Monday, presided over the National Defence Council meeting, where he approved the new Harmonised Terms and Conditions of Service for officers and enlisted personnel in the Nigerian Armed Forces.
The Special Assistant to the President on Social Media, Dada Olusegun, revealed this on his official X handle on Monday.
Dada said the new HTACOS is a significant step toward improving the welfare of soldiers, ratings and airmen nationwide.
It aims to address longstanding concerns within the military regarding service conditions by streamlining policies for officers and enlisted personnel.
Olusegun wrote, “President Tinubu presides over the National Defence Council meeting, approved the new harmonised terms and conditions of service officers, soldiers/ratings/airmen.”
He said through the harmonised framework, the Tinubu administration seeks to boost morale and enhance the operational readiness of Nigeria’s defence forces.
During the high-level defence council meeting, Tinubu reiterated his administration’s commitment to supporting the armed forces in their critical role of safeguarding national security.
“This development is part of the government’s broader strategy to prioritise welfare reforms and strengthen institutional frameworks within the military.
“Details of the harmonised terms are expected to be released by the Ministry of Defence in the coming days,” Olusegun concluded.
Speaking after the meeting, the Minister of Defence, Abubakar Badaru, said the new review will translate to better welfare and morale boost for personnel.
Badaru said, “It means there are new regulations that we are supposed to review every five years on the conduct of the management of the armed forces. And that has been done.
“We have been waiting for this for some time, and today it has been concluded, and Mr President has signed it.
“It will translate to more efficiency, services and welfare to the officers, and that will encourage them and improve their morale.”
On his part, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, said the terror group, Lukarawa, are on the run due to joint efforts by Nigerians and Nigerian military.
The Lukarawa group, initially emerging around 2016 or 2017 in Sokoto State, began as a self-defence militia invited by local leaders to combat escalating banditry.
Over time, they evolved into a radical faction, imposing strict religious laws and exerting control over local communities. Their activities have expanded into Kebbi State, where they have been involved in violent attacks, including a ghastly operation in November 2024 in Mera village, Augie Local Government Area, resulting in multiple deaths and cattle rustling.
The Nigerian Defence Headquarters has identified Lukarawa as a terrorist group affiliated with extremist elements from Mali and Niger, exacerbating insecurity in the northwestern region. The group has reportedly disrupted local governance, usurping traditional rulers’ roles and enforcing their own codes of conduct. They are also known for recruiting local youths through financial incentives, offering up to N1m to attract followers.
However, Musa said, “I can tell you, Lukarawas are on the run. We’re after them, and we’re pursuing them all over. They have no breathing space. We’re working together with the troops from Niger to ensure that they don’t have where to hide.
“We can assure Nigerians that the members of the armed forces are on top of their game, and we’ll continue to do that. All we require is for Nigerians to continue to support the armed forces and the security agencies.
“If you see something that is wrong, please don’t hesitate to report and action will be taken immediately.”
Musa said the HTACOS is for the complete management and administration of members of the armed forces to make it more efficient by considering the welfare of the personnel, administrative and management team of the Armed Forces.
“What it does again is in the issues of promotion, welfare, health and remuneration of members of the armed forces all captured in here.
“These terms and conditions service is being reviewed every five years. The last time was in 2017, so it was time to do the next one. It is to make improvements and make sure that we’re more efficient,” he added.
By Gloria Ikibah
The Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, has described the N800 billion allocated to his ministry in the proposed 2025 budget as grossly insufficient to address Nigeria’s growing road infrastructure needs.
Umahi stated this during the 2025 budget defence session held on Friday by the House Committee on Works, chaired by Rep. Akin Alabi.
Speaking candidly, Umahi called for an upward review of the ministry’s budgetary allocation, stressing that the current figure would barely make a dent in the nation’s road development agenda.
“We plead with you to help us. N800 billion cannot do anything for us. It cannot address our road needs, and so we plead with you to help us,” the Minister told the lawmakers.
Umahi who emphasised the importance of adequate funding to complete ongoing projects and initiate critical new ones across the country, also stressed that borrowing was a necessary step to bridge the infrastructure gap and stimulate economic growth.
The Minister underscored the potential economic impact of infrastructure development, stating that it would create jobs and boost local economies.
“When the nation is in recession, you have to borrow money and invest in infrastructure. That is how you emerge from a recession. Infrastructure is a catalyst for economic activities, and this hunger we talk about will become a thing of the past,” he explained.
“Food sellers, sand suppliers, gravel workers, and others will benefit. Support Mr. President, and let’s borrow money to build infrastructure so Nigeria can be great again,” he added.
In response, Chairman of the Committee, assured Umahi that the committee would summon the Minister of Finance and the Head of the Budget Office to clarify the rationale behind the ministry’s limited allocation.
The session also provided an opportunity for the Minister to address lawmakers’ concerns about the state of roads nationwide, with assurances that the government remains committed to completing ongoing projects.
By Gloria Ikibah
The National Assembly Joint Committee on Interior has suspended the budget defence of the Federal Fire Service (FFS) following significant discrepancies in the agency’s 2024 budget performance and 2025 proposal.
At a hearing chaired by Senator Adams Oshiomhole and his counterpart from the House, Chaired by Abdullahi Aliyu Ahmed, lawmakers flagged irregularities, including contradictory figures and inadequate documentation.
The committee uncovered discrepancies in the procurement of firefighting trucks, with similar units priced at N1.5 billion in one instance and N2.5 billion in another, despite being from the same supplier and of identical specifications.
The FFS Controller General, Jaji Abdulganiyu Idris, attributed the difference to variations in tanker sizes but failed to provide adequate supporting documentation.
Senator Oshiomhole criticized the inconsistencies, stating, “This reeks of over-padding or over-invoicing. Your written submission does not align with your explanation, and we cannot overlook this.”
Lawmakers also raised concerns about unclear contract commitments and an outstanding payment of N603 billion for ongoing projects, which lacked proper specifications.
Oshiomhole emphasized fiscal responsibility, saying, “Every N10 wasted by MDAs adds up. Our duty is to ensure that every naira benefits Nigerians, especially the poor.”
The committee further queried the FFS over unverified revenue remittances. Idris presented manual receipts as evidence, but the lawmakers rejected them, demanding proper bank statements and confirmation from the Accountant-General’s office.
As a result, the committee stepped down the FFS budget defence, instructing the agency to rectify its submission. Oshiomhole warned, “Submit a revised presentation with accurate figures, or risk zero allocation in 2025.”
The decision underscores the lawmakers’ commitment to accountability and efficient use of public funds, urging the FFS to address the issues promptly to secure its funding.
HouBy Gloria Ikibah
The Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Mohammed Ali Pate, has revealed that only 15.06 percent of the capital allocation for the health sector in 2024 has been released, significantly delaying the execution of critical projects.
Speaking during defence of the Ministry’s 2025 budget before the Senate and House of Representatives Joint Committee on Health, Prof. Pate attributed the delays to the bottom-up cash plan policy of the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation.
Out of the N233.656 billion allocated for capital projects in 2024, only N26.552 billion was released and utilized. The Minister also disclosed that the Ministry had not received any funds from the N57.393 billion earmarked for multilateral and bilateral loans.
Giving and overview of the 2024 budget performance, Prof. Pate detailed that the total 2024 budget for the Ministry stood at N242.14 billion, comprising:
- N7.48 billion for personnel,
- N998.74 million for overhead, and
- N233.66 billion for capital projects.
For 2025, the budget estimates have been slightly increased to:
- N10.36 billion for personnel,
- N1.59 billion for overhead, and
- N248.32 billion for capital projects.
On the Health Sector Vision and Strategic Goals, the Minister emphasised that the health sector operates within the framework of the Vision 20:2020, the National Development Plan (2021–2025), and the National Strategic Health Development Plan. These policies aim to guarantee the right to health for all Nigerians, guided by the National Health Act and the 2016 National Health Policy.
He stressed that the 2025 budget aligns with the government’s focus on universal health coverage, prioritizing:
- Strengthening the primary healthcare system,
- Enhancing equitable and efficient health service delivery, and
- Promoting socio-economic development through improved health outcomes.
Prof. Pate also highlighted that the budget preparation for 2025 adhered to the GIFMIS platform, ensuring resource allocation aligns with national priorities and ministerial deliverables.
Responding to lawmakers, the Minister called for national unity in advancing the health sector. He noted significant progress despite challenges, including:
- The provision of world-class facilities in federal hospitals,
- Investment in infrastructure and manpower development,
- Local drug production boosted by the President’s Executive Order signed in June 2024, which has empowered manufacturers to upgrade their operations.
He further lauded Nigerian medical personnel for their global demand, underscoring their competence and dedication.
The Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving healthcare delivery and urged Nigerians to recognize the positive developments in the sector.
N800bn Inadequate for Nigeria’s Road Projects, Minister Umahi Tell Lawmakers
NASS Joint Committee Suspends Fire Service Budget Over Irregularities
Health Minister Decries Delayed Capital Funding, Highlights 2025 Budget Plans
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