Chief of Defence Staff General Lucky Irabor has urged retired military officers to exercise patience with the Federal Government regarding the payment of their Security Debarment Allowance. He clarified that those who retired before the implementation of the law are not eligible for this allowance. Irabor emphasized that it was the generosity of President Muhammadu Buhari (retd.) that led to a review of the law, and he believes the president deserves commendation rather than criticism for the delay in payments.
Irabor made these remarks during the 42nd Anniversary Dinner of the Nigerian Defence Academy 28 Regular Course Welfare Association, held on Saturday night in Abuja. He addressed some negative comments regarding the Security Debarment Allowance, stating, “There are a few toxic comments made on the SDA which I believe were misrepresented. While I must appreciate those of you here for changing the perspective of those making these comments, perhaps those making these comments need to go to their creator to seek forgiveness.” He explained that the policy establishing the allowance was signed in November 2017, with provisions specifically for those who retired after that date. The president’s decision to extend benefits to all who served in the military was, according to Irabor, both legendary and commendable.
Irabor also discussed the financial challenges involved in military operations and the need to improve the Table of Organisation and Equipment (TOE). He noted that achieving a total amount of N132 billion for payments at once was a significant undertaking. However, approval has been granted to manage these payments over a period of three to five years, which has now been modified to three years. He expressed concern over individuals inciting others to protest against this process, suggesting that such actions warrant reconsideration.
Fortunately, he highlighted that the first tranche of payments was made earlier this year. Irabor appealed to all parties involved to trust that those implementing the policy are doing so faithfully and to put the matter to rest.
Rear Admiral Ndidi Agholor (retd), President of the 28 Regular Course Welfare Association, expressed gratitude to the president for revising the policy to include those who retired before 2017. He noted the concerns of those excluded from the benefits of the Security Debarment Allowance, stating, “We were certainly concerned when we were left out of those to benefit from the SDA. This is because the meaning of the allowance is that the state, upon our retirement, should pay for our competencies and skills acquired so we don’t negatively use it against it.” Agholor questioned whether the exclusion would lead to a misuse of skills by those who retired before 2017, and he thanked the president for his generosity in changing the debarment policy.
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