The Nigerian Army is facing a potential mass exodus of officers following the proposed Revised Harmonised Terms and Conditions of Service (HTACOS) 2024, which is currently awaiting President Bola Tinubu’s approval. This impending crisis could significantly impact the military’s operational readiness and morale.
The proposed HTACOS 2024 has sparked outrage among officers who joined the Armed Forces after university education. These officers, known as Direct Short Service (DSS) officers, warn that the new terms will frustrate them out of service due to extended promotion timelines. Aggrieved officers believe that if the document is approved, it will create an inequitable environment that disproportionately affects DSS officers while leaving the promotion duration for regular service officers, commissioned through the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), unchanged.
A review of the document by LEADERSHIP reveals that military authorities are contemplating a policy change that would extend the promotion duration for DSS officers. Currently, junior regular service officers spend five years on a rank, whereas DSS officers spend seven years. The proposed changes are detailed in Chapter 17 of the HTACOS, which outlines the new time requirements for promotions:
Cadet to Lt/SLt/Fg Offr: Automatic promotion after five years unless disciplinary issues arise.
Lt/SLt/Fg Offr to Capt/Lt(NN)/Flt Lt: Promotion after five years for regular officers and seven years for DSS officers.
Capt/Lt(NN)/Flt Lt to Maj/Lt Cdr/Sqn Ldr: Promotion after five years for regular officers and six years for DSS officers.
Additional requirements for promotion include satisfactory performance reports for three consecutive years, recommendations by commanding officers, successful completion of prescribed promotion examinations, and other conditions set by the Service Council/Board.
For senior officers, the policy states:
Promotion to Lt Col/Cdr/Wg Cdr: Requires five years for regular officers and six years for DSS officers in the rank of Maj/Lt Cdr/Sqn Ldr.
Officers argue that this policy will undermine morale and unity. They stress that DSS officers, who are essential due to their specialised skills, may feel undervalued and unmotivated, which could affect the overall operational effectiveness of the army. The slower promotion rates could deter skilled professionals from joining the armed forces, opting for civilian careers instead. This delay could also create a bottleneck in leadership within specialized units, impeding the development of experienced leaders necessary for maintaining operational readiness.
“A promotion policy that discriminates based on commissioning source rather than performance and competence undermines the principles of meritocracy,” officers stated. They emphasized that promotions should be based on demonstrated abilities, leadership qualities, and performance rather than the method of entry into the armed forces.
The officers warned that implementing a discriminatory policy might expose the armed forces to legal challenges and ethical scrutiny, violating principles of equality and fairness. They cited the United States and British militaries, which use standardized, merit-based promotion systems, as models for fair and effective promotion practices.
“It is crucial for the Nigerian armed forces to adopt international best practices to maintain a professional, motivated, and cohesive military force,” they added.
As the military awaits President Tinubu’s decision, the Nigerian Army stands on the brink of a significant transformation that could redefine its internal dynamics and overall effectiveness. The outcome of this policy decision will likely set a precedent for future administrative reforms within the armed forces.
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