NSCDC Clears Air on Salary Arrears, Says Leadership Not Responsible for Delayed Payments
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has dismissed reports alleging that its leadership is responsible for the non-payment of promotion and salary arrears to its personnel, describing such claims as misleading and inconsistent with established government procedures.
In a statement made available to Clean and Klear Media Affairs, the Corps clarified that the Commandant General neither has the constitutional mandate nor administrative authority to approve or disburse salary or promotion arrears for officers and men of the service.
Speaking through its National Public Relations Officer, Assistant Commandant of Corps (ACC) Afolabi Babawale, the NSCDC explained that the responsibility for the payment of all outstanding arrears lies with the Presidential Committee on Arrears, in collaboration with the Budget Office of the Federation and the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation.According to Babawale, the role of NSCDC management is limited to interfacing with relevant government agencies to facilitate the process, stressing that the Corps does not control the release of funds or determine payment timelines.
The Corps also faulted certain online publications for what it described as the dissemination of false narratives capable of causing unnecessary tension, misinformation, and low morale within the service and among the public.Providing further clarification, the NSCDC revealed that upon the assumption of office by the current leadership in 2021, it inherited salary arrears spanning five years, dating back to 2015. Through sustained engagements with appropriate authorities, the Corps said it successfully facilitated the payment of arrears covering 2015 to 2019, benefiting over 37,000 personnel across the country.On outstanding arrears from 2020 to 2022, the Corps disclosed that approval for payment has already been granted by the Presidential Committee on Arrears.
However, the payment schedule is currently with the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation, awaiting disbursement through the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS).The NSCDC added that arrears for 2023 and 2024 are still pending presidential approval and budgetary allocation, noting that no funds can be released outside laid-down constitutional and financial procedures.
The Corps urged members of the public and media organizations to always seek clarification from official sources and refrain from spreading unverified information that could undermine confidence and morale within the service.
