The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has dismissed allegations that its leadership is responsible for the non-payment of promotion arrears and the diversion of funds meant for personnel welfare, describing the claims as false and misleading.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the Corps’ spokesperson, Afolabi Babawale, said the allegations, which appeared on some online platforms on January 23, were deliberately designed to misinform the public and undermine the credibility of the organisation and its leadership under the Commandant General, Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi.
The NSCDC clarified that the payment of salaries and promotion arrears is not within the control of the Corps or the Commandant General. According to the statement, such payments are managed by the Presidential Committee on Arrears, supervised by the Director-General of the Budget Office of the Federation and the Accountant General of the Federation.
Responding to claims that no arrears had been paid since 2022, the Corps said records show steady progress in clearing outstanding payments. It explained that the current leadership inherited about five years of unpaid salary arrears upon assuming office in 2021 but facilitated the payment of arrears covering 2015 to 2019, benefiting over 37,000 personnel nationwide.
On arrears for 2020 to 2022, the Corps said relevant departments, acting on the directive of the Commandant General, had applied to the Presidential Committee on Arrears. The request, it added, has been approved and is awaiting final release by the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation for disbursement through the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS).
The NSCDC noted that arrears for 2023 and 2024 are yet to receive the necessary approvals, stressing that government funds cannot be released without presidential consent and budgetary provision. It also explained that promotion examination results for 2025 were only released in December and are currently being captured in the budget process.
Reaffirming its commitment to transparency and personnel welfare, the Corps said it would not be distracted by what it described as attempts at blackmail or cyberbullying. It urged the public and media organisations to verify information through official channels and disregard reports capable of causing tension among personnel.
The Commandant General further appealed to officers and men of the Corps to remain calm and patient, assuring them that efforts are ongoing to ensure the release and payment of all outstanding arrears in line with established government procedures.
