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.