By Sumaila Ogbaje
The Nigerian Army has dismissed claims that the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, has introduced automatic promotion for personnel.
who have served in their current ranks for five years or more.
This is contained in a statement by the Director, Army Public Relations, Maj.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, on Tuesday in Abuja.
Nwachukwu described the claims as misleading and baseless, saying it was a deliberate misinformation calculated to mislead personnel as well as members of the public.
He explained that promotion in the army was a structured, merit-based exercise governed by clearly defined statutory regulations and provisions, adding that it is neither arbitrary nor subject to social media speculations.
According to him, the conditions for elevation in rank are meticulously outlined in the Nigerian Army Administrative Policies and Procedures (Revised 2023), and the Armed Forces of Nigeria Harmonised Terms and Conditions of Service for Soldiers, Ratings and Airmen (2024).
“Among others, key requirements for promotion by the Armed Forces include but not limited to serving the stipulated minimum period on a substantive rank.
“Successful completion of requisite professional courses, maintaining satisfactory disciplinary and performance record and meeting medical and physical fitness standards.
“It must be emphasised that the Nigerian Army, like other Services of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, adhere to unified standards of promotion criteria.
“The Nigerian Army will, therefore, not deviate from these established protocols, which ensure fairness, professionalism, and operational effectiveness across the services.
“The public is thus urged to disregard the deceptive publication, that the COAS has introduced an automatic promotion for personnel who have served in their current ranks for five years or more, as it by no means holds any credibility.”
Nwachukwu added the army chief remained resolute in his commitment to the welfare, career progression, and professional development of personnel, as encapsulated in his “Soldier First” mantra.
“He will not act in a manner that will insidiously undermine due process and international best practice,” he said. (NAN)