The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has refuted claims of neglecting personnel promotion arrears, describing recent online reports as misleading and unfounded.
In a statement issued Thursday in Abuja, NSCDC Public Relations Officer Babawale Afolabi addressed the controversy surrounding a January 23 report on personnel welfare matters.
Afolabi emphasized that Commandant General Ahmed Audi lacks authority over arrears payments, including salaries and promotions.
“Payment of arrears is managed by the Presidential Committee on Arrears, led by the Director-General of the Budget Office of the Federation and the Accountant General of the Federation—not the NSCDC,” he explained.
The spokesperson noted that when the current leadership assumed office in 2021, they inherited five years of outstanding salary arrears.
“Through persistent engagement with government, the CG successfully cleared backlogs from 2015 to 2019, benefiting over 37,000 personnel,” Afolabi stated.
Regarding 2020–2022 arrears, the corps has completed due process, submitted applications to the presidential committee, and received approval. The payment schedule now awaits release from the Accountant-General’s office to IPPIS for disbursement.
For 2023–2024 arrears, approval from relevant authorities remains pending, as disbursement requires presidential authorization and budgetary allocation.
“The 2025 promotion examination results were released in December 2025, with budget inclusion currently underway,” Afolabi added.
The spokesperson characterized the initial publication as a coordinated smear campaign designed to mislead the public and damage the corps’ reputation.
“The NSCDC remains dedicated to staff welfare, transparency, and accountability. We will not yield to blackmail or attempts to undermine our credibility,” he declared.
Afolabi urged media outlets to verify information through proper channels rather than rushing to publish unconfirmed reports.
The CG has called on personnel nationwide to exercise patience as the federal government works toward timely fund disbursement.
However, an anonymous NSCDC officer told the News Agency of Nigeria that while management has introduced welfare initiatives like Group Life Insurance, claiming non-payment of promotion arrears is false contradicts reality, as no disbursements have occurred for years.
“For those promoted in December 2025, what assurance do we have of receiving our arrears when those promoted earlier still await payment?” she questioned.
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