OLUFEMI Oluyede, Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General has approved an increase in the daily Ration Cash Allowance for Nigerian Army personnel from N1,500 to N3,000, effective from the end of March.
News Point Nigeria reports that Oluyede made this announcement on Thurdsday while addressing officers and soldiers of the 81 Division at the 9th Brigade Parade Ground in Ikeja, Lagos, during his visit to inspect ongoing projects in the division’s area of responsibility.
Expressing concern over the previous N1,500 allowance, he assured troops of his commitment to improving their welfare.
Beyond feeding allowances, Oluyede acknowledged the housing challenges faced by warrant officers, many of whom do not own homes upon retirement. To address this, he highlighted the Nigerian Army’s housing initiative aimed at ensuring retiring personnel have a place to live.
“I am going to build on what my predecessors have done in improving the welfare of our personnel. In December, under the Nigerian Army Housing Scheme, we unveiled the first set of houses in Abuja. As I speak, we are beginning a new set in Ibadan. We have also secured land for another set in Jos. Additionally, we are developing housing units in Port Harcourt, Owerri, and Akwa Ibom states,” he said.
The housing scheme, he noted, offers affordable options for soldiers, with prices significantly lower than those in the open market.
“This will ensure a widespread distribution of houses that soldiers can subscribe to. You will all agree with me that there is nowhere in Nigeria where you can buy a two- or three-bedroom house for as low as N8 million.
“This is a significant investment by the Army to ensure you have a comfortable post-service life. In fact, we are accelerating the process so that more personnel can benefit. I want you to believe in this system because it is worthwhile,” he added.
Additionally, Oluyede announced a new low-interest loan scheme for soldiers, offering a 3% interest rate, far below commercial bank rates.
“As for the loan scheme, it comes with just a 3% interest rate. If you go to banks, the lowest interest rate you will find is around 25%. We have deliberately kept our rate low to make it accessible. More funds will be injected into the scheme, so if you have pressing financial needs, you are encouraged to apply,” he explained.
However, he advised personnel to borrow only when necessary.
“I want to advise that if you don’t truly need it, or if you are not in urgent need, it’s best not to take it. It is easy to obtain but difficult to repay. That said, it is available to you, it is your right, and you can apply for it at any time. Once approved, you will receive it as quickly as possible,” he added.
Responding to complaints about soldiers purchasing their own uniforms, Oluyede reassured troops that the Army had begun distributing 100,000 kits per month.
“We have allocated uniforms to smaller divisions. The next phase will cover the 82nd Division. Once we complete distribution there, we will proceed here and issue more uniforms. I can assure you that before the end of the year, you will likely receive another set,” he said.
He acknowledged the challenges in accessing military kits but assured personnel that efforts were underway to resolve the issue.
Oluyede urged soldiers to remain dedicated to their duties, emphasizing that their commitment was essential to the Army’s success.