By Harriet Tornguvan
The attention of the Defence Headquarters has been drawn to some media publications insinuating that the draft Harmonised Terms and Conditions of Service (HTACOS) for military officers is causing tension in the Services as many are planning to leave the service due to unfavorable terms contained in the draft document. For the avoidance of doubt, the current HTACOS was signed by the then President Muhammadu Buhari in 2017 and is to be reviewed every five years. Gleaning from that background the review is overdue.
The current leadership of the AFN has kick started the process of reviewing the 2017 HTACOS which is long overdue. The committee of officers involved in the review comprises members from the 3 services and across different professions in the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN). As it stands, the draft is actually intended to be refined further by inputs from stakeholders.
Pertinently, the document is aimed at enhancing efficiency and the general welfare of the members of the AFN and also focuses the effective discharge of AFN constitutional mandate especially in this period the AFN is engaged in addressing multiple security challenges across the nation and even beyond the shores of Nigeria. Consequently, it would be counterproductive to target or retard the growth or progression of any category of officers in the Armed Forces of Nigeria as suggested by the media reports.
Apparently, the publication clearly shows lack of in-depth research as it could have consult appropriate authorities instead relied on hearsay. The DHQ seizes this opportunity to call on all Nigerians, particularly members of the Armed Forces, to disregard such publications and revert to the proper channels of communication as laid down by the AFN.
