Defence Headquarters clarifies new terms of service for military officers

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has clarified that the draft Harmonised Terms and Conditions of Service (HTACOS) for military officers aims to enhance efficiency and the overall welfare of the armed forces.

This was announced in a statement by Acting Director of Defence Information, Brig.-Gen. Tukur Gusau, on Monday in Abuja.

Gusau stated that the draft document focuses on the effective discharge of the military’s constitutional mandate, considering its current engagements in addressing multiple security challenges both nationally and internationally. He emphasized that it would be counterproductive to hinder the growth or progression of any category of officers, countering suggestions made in some media reports.

The statement was issued in response to media publications that insinuated the HTACOS was causing tension within the military, with claims that many officers were planning to leave due to unfavorable terms in the draft document. Gusau clarified that the current HTACOS, signed by former President Muhammadu Buhari in 2017, is reviewed every five years and that the process to review the 2017 HTACOS is long overdue.

“The current leadership of the armed forces has kickstarted the process of reviewing the 2017 HTACOS, which is long overdue. The committee of officers involved in the review comprises members from the three services and different professions within the armed forces. As it stands, the draft is intended to be refined further by inputs from stakeholders,” Gusau explained.

He criticized the publications for lacking in-depth research and urged publishers to consult appropriate authorities rather than relying on hearsay.

“The DHQ seizes this opportunity to call on all Nigerians, particularly members of the armed forces, to disregard such publications and revert to the proper channels of communication as laid down by the military,” Gusau added.