Former Director of Army Public Relations, Brig. Gen. S.K. Usman (rtd), has defended the Nigerian military’s efforts on personnel welfare, acknowledging shortcomings but insisting significant progress has been made.
Speaking in an interview on Arise News monitored by The News Chronicle, Usman contrasted current conditions with the past, revealing that in his early days soldiers often paid for their own accommodation. According to him, that reality has changed, with housing schemes now in place for military personnel.
He also dismissed claims of bias in postings and promotions, stressing that the Nigerian military operates on professionalism, not sentiment.
“Those pushing such narratives do not mean well for the institution,” he said.
On the controversial ₦3,000 daily feeding allowance for troops, Usman described the situation as troubling but pointed to systemic constraints.
“Commanders cannot give what they do not have,” he noted, calling on authorities to urgently review and increase the Ration Cash Allowance (RCA).
Amid ongoing security challenges, Usman maintained that soldiers remain focused on their mission. “No serious-minded soldier would be distracted at a time like this,” he added.
