Nigerian soldiers who returned home four months ago from peacekeeping missions in The Gambia, Sudan, and Guinea-Bissau are protesting unpaid allowances. The soldiers claim they are still owed six to seven months of allowances, contradicting official statements about prompt payments. Specifically, troops deployed to Sudan reportedly received only three months of their allowances and are still awaiting payments for seven months of service. The soldiers, who returned four months ago, state they are still waiting for these outstanding allowances.
Official Statements and Discrepancies
Major General Samaila Uba stated that funding for peacekeeping allowances is the exclusive responsibility of international organizations, not Nigeria. "Funding for the payment of these allowances is the exclusive responsibility of the two international organisations and not Nigeria as a nation," Major General Uba said, adding that "Allowances for personnel are paid to them promptly on receipt from the UN and Ecowas." He indicated that the United Nations had already made payments for soldiers' entitlements, with Sudan funds received and troops paid last week following an inquiry. For soldiers returning from The Gambia and Guinea-Bissau, Major General Uba confirmed that Defence Headquarters (DHQ) is making efforts to ensure funds are released by Ecowas for immediate payment. "Those who came back from Gambia and Guinea Bissau will be paid on receipt of funds from Ecowas," he stated, noting that "UN and Ecowas allowances are in addition to normal salaries, and that DHQ places high premium on welfare."
Soldiers' Grievances and Warnings
Soldiers who served in peacekeeping missions have detailed discrepancies in their allowance payments. Troops deployed to The Gambia reported receiving six months of their entitled allowances but are still owed payments for another six months of service. Similarly, soldiers who returned from Guinea-Bissau stated they had been paid for only three months of their allowances, with seven months remaining outstanding. The disgruntled soldiers issued a warning that they would publicly disclose their situation if the outstanding payments were not settled promptly.
Context of International Missions
Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, confirmed Nigerian troops are deployed in Sudan under a UN-led mission, and in The Gambia and Guinea-Bissau under Ecowas-led operations. Major General Uba stated that funding for these allowances is the responsibility of the international organizations, not Nigeria. "Funding for the payment of these allowances is the exclusive responsibility of the two international organisations and not Nigeria as a nation. Allowances for personnel are paid to them promptly on receipt from the UN and Ecowas," he said. He added that "UN and Ecowas allowances are in addition to normal salaries, and that DHQ places high premium on welfare." Major General Uba confirmed that "Sudan funds have now been received and troops were paid last week, after SaharaReporters inquiry." He further noted that "Those who came back from Gambia and Guinea Bissau will be paid on receipt of funds from Ecowas. The Defence Headquarters DHQ is making efforts to ensure funds are released to us for immediate payment."
Defence Headquarters' Response
Major General Samaila Uba confirmed that funds for peacekeeping allowances are the exclusive responsibility of international organizations, not Nigeria. "Funding for the payment of these allowances is the exclusive responsibility of the two international organisations and not Nigeria as a nation. Allowances for personnel are paid to them promptly on receipt from the UN and Ecowas," Major General Uba stated. He further disclosed that "Sudan funds have now been received and troops were paid last week, after SaharaReporters inquiry." Major General Uba added that "Those who came back from Gambia and Guinea Bissau will be paid on receipt of funds from Ecowas. The Defence Headquarters DHQ is making efforts to ensure funds are released to us for immediate payment." He emphasized, "UN and Ecowas allowances are in addition to normal salaries, and that DHQ places high premium on welfare."