Officers who enlisted in the Nigerian Armed Forces after university are facing potential mass resignations due to the proposed Revised Harmonized Terms and Conditions of Service (HTACOs) 2024, which is currently awaiting presidential approval.
The document, seen by LEADERSHIP, reveals a planned policy change that would extend the duration required for promotions for Direct Short Service (DSS) officers who join as professionals, while maintaining the current promotion timeline for regular service officers from the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA). According to the aggrieved officers, this will result in prolonged stays at each rank, driving many to consider leaving the service.
Under the proposed Revised HTACOS, the promotion requirements for DSS officers are significantly more stringent compared to their regular service counterparts. The promotion timeline for junior officers would be seven years for DSS officers, compared to five years for regular officers. Senior officers face similar discrepancies, with DSS officers required to serve six years at each rank versus five years for regular officers.
Key Promotion Timelines in the Proposed HTACOS:
- From Cadet to Lt/SLt/Fg Offr: Automatic after five years from the start of cadet training, barring disciplinary issues.
- From Lt/SLt/Fg Offr to Capt/Lt(NN)/Flt Lt: Five years for regular officers and seven years for DSS officers.
- From Capt/Lt(NN)/Flt Lt to Maj/Lt Cdr/Sqn Ldr: Five years for regular officers and six years for DSS officers.
- Promotion to Lt Col/Cdr/Wg Cdr: Minimum of five years for regular officers and six years for DSS officers.
- Promotion to Col/Capt (NN)/Gp Capt: Minimum of five years for regular officers and six years for DSS officers.
Additional requirements include satisfactory performance reports, recommendations from commanding officers, success in promotion exams, and meeting other service-specific conditions.
Concerns and Potential Impact
Aggrieved officers argue that the policy could undermine the effectiveness, morale, and unity of the armed forces. They fear that the discriminatory promotion timelines will lead to resentment and division within the ranks. DSS officers, who provide essential specialized skills, might feel undervalued, leading to decreased morale and motivation. This internal division can negatively affect unit cohesion and operational effectiveness.
The policy also risks deterring highly skilled professionals in fields such as medicine, engineering, and logistics from joining the armed forces, as they may prefer civilian careers where their expertise is more readily recognized and rewarded. Furthermore, slower promotion rates for DSS officers could create a bottleneck in leadership positions within specialized units, impeding the timely development of experienced leaders.
Critics argue that promotions should be based on demonstrated abilities, leadership qualities, and performance rather than the method of entry into the armed forces. A policy perceived as discriminatory may expose the armed forces to legal challenges and ethical scrutiny, violating principles of equality and fairness.
International Comparison
The promotion systems in the United States and the United Kingdom provide useful comparisons. Both countries have standardized promotion policies that focus on merit, performance, and time-in-grade, regardless of the commissioning source. This approach ensures fairness and recognizes individual contributions and leadership potential.
Conclusion
The proposed policy to extend the time required for DSS officers’ promotions in the Nigerian armed forces presents several significant disadvantages. It risks eroding morale, deterring skilled professionals, creating operational inefficiencies, undermining meritocracy, and raising legal and ethical concerns. Adopting international best practices, where promotion is based on merit and performance, would help ensure a fairer and more effective system. It is crucial for the Nigerian armed forces to consider these factors to maintain a professional, motivated, and cohesive military force.
At the time of this report, Acting Director Defence Information Brigadier General Tukur Gusau and Director of Information, Ministry of Defence, Mr. Henshaw Ogubike, had not responded to enquiries on the development.
