The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, has approved an increase in the daily Ration Cash Allowance (RCA) for Nigerian Army personnel, doubling it from ₦1,500 to ₦3,000, with effect from the end of March.
Oluyede made this announcement on Wednesday while addressing officers and soldiers of the 81 Division at the 9th Brigade Parade Ground in Ikeja, Lagos. His visit was part of an inspection tour of ongoing projects within the division’s area of responsibility.
Expressing concern over the previous ₦1,500 feeding allowance, Oluyede reaffirmed his dedication to improving soldiers’ welfare.
Beyond allowances, he acknowledged the housing challenges faced by warrant officers, many of whom struggle to secure homes upon retirement. To address this, he highlighted the Nigerian Army Housing Scheme, which aims to ensure retiring personnel have access to affordable housing. “I am going to build on what my predecessors have done in improving the welfare of our personnel. In December, under the Nigerian Army Housing Scheme, we unveiled the first set of houses in Abuja. Currently, we are beginning a new set in Ibadan and have secured land in Jos. Additionally, we are developing housing units in Port Harcourt, Owerri, and Akwa Ibom,” Oluyede stated.
The housing scheme offers affordable options, with two- and three-bedroom houses available for as low as ₦8 million, significantly cheaper than market rates. “This is a significant investment by the Army to ensure a comfortable post-service life. We are accelerating the process so that more personnel can benefit. Believe in this system—it is worthwhile,” he added.
To further support personnel, Oluyede introduced a low-interest loan scheme for soldiers, offering a 3% interest rate, significantly lower than the 25% commercial bank rates. “We have deliberately kept the rate low to ensure accessibility. More funds will be injected into the scheme, so if you have pressing financial needs, you are encouraged to apply,” he explained.
However, he cautioned soldiers to borrow responsibly, advising them to take loans only when absolutely necessary. “It is easy to obtain but difficult to repay. That said, the loan is available to you, it is your right, and you can apply for it at any time. Once approved, the funds will be disbursed promptly,” he assured.
Addressing concerns about soldiers purchasing their own uniforms, Oluyede reassured troops that the Army had begun distributing 100,000 kits per month to various divisions. “We have allocated uniforms to smaller divisions. The next phase will cover the 82nd Division. Once we complete that, we will proceed here and issue more uniforms. I can assure you that before the end of the year, you will likely receive another set,” he stated.
He acknowledged logistical challenges in the distribution process but assured troops that measures were in place to resolve them. Oluyede concluded by urging soldiers to remain committed to their duties, emphasizing that their dedication was crucial to the Army’s continued success. “Your commitment defines the strength of the Nigerian Army. We will continue to support you, but we also need your dedication to duty,” he stressed.
