President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the new Harmonised Terms and Conditions of Service (HTACOS) for officers and enlisted personnel of the Nigerian Armed Forces.
The approval, granted during a National Defence Council meeting at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Monday, is aimed at addressing longstanding challenges within the military and enhancing service conditions across all ranks.
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The announcement was made by Dada Olusegun, the Special Assistant to the President on Social Media, through his verified X (formerly Twitter) account. Olusegun hailed the decision as a pivotal step towards improving the welfare of soldiers, ratings, and airmen.
“President Tinubu presides over the National Defence Council meeting, approves the new harmonised terms and conditions of service (HTACOS) for officers, soldiers/ratings/airmen,” Olusegun wrote.
Key Objectives of the Revised HTACOS
The newly approved HTACOS is designed to:
- Streamline Policies: Provide a unified framework that eliminates inconsistencies in service terms across the Nigerian Army, Navy, and Air Force.
- Improve Welfare: Enhance the quality of life for military personnel, boosting morale and operational efficiency.
- Ensure Equity: Address disparities in service conditions and provide fair and consistent policies for all personnel.
President Tinubu, during the meeting, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the welfare of armed forces personnel. He highlighted the critical role of the military in safeguarding Nigeria’s territorial integrity and ensuring internal stability.
“The welfare of our armed forces is non-negotiable. Their dedication to protecting our nation must be met with the best possible conditions of service,” the President stated.
The approval of HTACOS aligns with his broader vision for institutional reforms that prioritise national security and personnel wellbeing.
This development emphasizes the administration’s recognition of the armed forces as the backbone of Nigeria’s defence strategy. Improved welfare conditions are expected to strengthen morale, operational readiness, and retention within the military, addressing challenges that have long affected personnel across ranks and ensuring the armed forces remain a formidable force capable of defending the nation’s sovereignty and interests.
Further details of the harmonised terms are expected to be unveiled by the Ministry of Defence in the coming days. The announcement will likely outline specific changes and their implications for personnel, including policies on promotions, allowances, retirement benefits, and general service conditions.
The harmonisation of service terms represents a significant milestone in the government’s efforts to empower the Nigerian Armed Forces, ensuring they remain a formidable force capable of defending the nation’s sovereignty and interests.
