NSCDC Refutes Unpaid Promotion Arrears Allegation

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has dismissed allegations claiming non-payment of promotion arrears and withholding of welfare funds, describing the allegation as false, misleading and a deliberate attempt to tarnish the image of the Corps’ leadership.

The Corps said the clarification became necessary following a report, which accused the leadership under the Commandant General, Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, of failing to address personnel welfare issues relating to arrears.

In a statement issued by the National Public Relations Officer, ACC Afolabi Babawale, the NSCDC maintained that the allegations were baseless and part of a campaign aimed at causing unnecessary tension within the Corps and misleading the public.

According to the statement, the Commandant General does not have direct control over the payment of salary or promotion arrears, stressing that such payments fall under the jurisdiction of the Presidential Committee on Arrears, chaired by the Director-General of the Budget Office of the Federation, alongside the Accountant General of the Federation.

The Corps noted that contrary to claims that no arrears had been paid since 2022, records show significant progress had been made. It disclosed that the current leadership inherited five years of unpaid salary arrears upon assumption of office in 2021 but was able to clear arrears covering 2015 to 2019, with over 37,000 personnel benefiting.

On arrears from 2020 to 2022, the NSCDC stated that due process had been followed, explaining that its Finance, Budget and Planning Departments, on the directive of the Commandant General, applied to the Presidential Committee for payment, which has been approved.

The added that the payment schedule is currently with the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation awaiting release to the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS) for disbursement.

The statement further clarified that arrears for 2023 and 2024 are yet to receive the required approvals, noting that government disbursement of funds is subject to presidential approval and budgetary release.

It also pointed out that the 2025 promotion examination results were only released in December 2025 and are still being processed for budgetary inclusion.

Reaffirming its stance, the Corps said its leadership remains committed to transparency, accountability and improved welfare for personnel, and would not be distracted by what it described as blackmail or cyberbullying aimed at undermining the institution.

The NSCDC urged the public, stakeholders and media organisations to verify information through official channels and disregard publications intended to create discord within the Corps.

It also appealed to personnel nationwide to remain calm and patient, assuring them that efforts were ongoing to secure the release of funds for outstanding payments.