The Nigerian Army has said that the delay in the payment of allowances of some of its officers was because of the challenges of implementing the Treasury Single Account (TSA) by the Federal Government.
The Theater Commander of the Operation Lafiya Dole, Major-General Hassan Umaru, who revealed this to newsmen in Maiduguri on Wednesday acknowledged that the troops had done the country proud.
Umaru, noting that the introduction of the TSA by the Federal Government slowed down businesses in some agencies, the military inclusive, added that the authorities were doing all within their power to fast-track payment of the troops allowances as soon as possible.
He said, “Let me acknowledge the tremendous successes and achievements of our gallant troops in the field.
“Their discipline, determination, courage and selfless service are highly appreciated by our dear nation and the world at large.
“We are all aware of government’s introduction of the TSA, which in one way or the other affected government organisations.
“The development also affected the payment of salaries to civilians, apart from the officers and men of the Armed Forces,” he said.
The theater commander further listed some other administrative issues hindering the payment of the allowances to include “issues of duplication of names, wrong account numbers, improper Bank Verification Numbers (BVN) and the new policy of remitting allowances directly into individuals’ accounts.
“The Federal Government and the military hierarchy are doing their best to support this noble course in terms of logistics.
“I urge you to remain focused in achieving our mandate.
“You should not allow yourselves to be misguided by unscrupulous elements.
“I must as well appreciate the invaluable support of the present administration, the government and the good people of Borno, Adamawa and Yobe for their support in the fight against terror.
“Let me thank the media for their patriotism and commitment in bringing peace to the North East,” he added.