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CHAPTER 1

DEFINITIONS AND GENERAL PROVISIONS

GENERAL

01.01. In this document, except where otherwise provided,

the following definitions shall apply:

a. President. The President, Commander-in-Chief of the

Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
b. Minister of Defence. The Minister charged with
responsibility for matters relating to defence.
c. Chief of Defence Staff. The officer appointed by the
President, vested with day-to-day command and general
superintendence of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
d. Chief of Army Staff. The officer appointed by the
President to have the command, direction and general
superintendence of the Nigerian Army.
e. Chief of the Naval Staff. The officer appointed by the
President to have the command, direction and general
superintendence of the Nigerian Navy.
f. Chief of Air Staff. The officer appointed by the
President to have the command, direction and general
superintendence of the Nigerian Air Force.
g. Active Service. The expression ‘Active Service’, means the
period of service of a soldier/rating/airman which includes war,
operations and official duties.
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h. Airman/Airwoman. An airman/airwoman is an enlisted

person in the Nigerian Air Force not holding a commission.
i. Boy. Boy is a male student attending the Nigerian Military
School.
j. Commissioned Officer. A person granted a
commission by the President, Commander in Chief of the Armed
Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
k. Date of Birth. Date of Birth is the date a
soldier/rating/airman was born, as given on the day of attestation
and recorded in the individual’s Service Record. This date shall
not be subject to any change or alteration in any form.
l. Death on Active Service. Death on Active Service
applies to any soldier/rating/airman killed in action during
operation or who died while performing routine duties.
m. Executive/Special Duty/Branch Commission. The
Executive/ Special Duty/Branch Commission is a promotion outlet
for soldiers/ratings/airmen who by their experience and ability are
fit for a commission in the particular field for which they are
qualified.
n. Free Service Elements. Free Service Elements are
the estimated values of free facilities, e.g. lodging, clothing,
medical and exemption from income tax.
o. Foreigner. A foreigner is a person belonging to or owing
allegiance to a foreign country.
p. Home Place. A soldier/rating/airman’s home or village is
the Nigerian home place of the soldier/rating/airman, as recorded
at the time of attestation.
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q. Junior Airman. Junior airman is a male student attending

the Nigerian Air Force Military School.
r. Military Service. Military Service of a
soldier/rating/airman is a period of unbroken service in the Armed
Forces of Nigeria from the date of enlistment to the date of
discharge from the Service. It excludes period of imprisonment,
desertion and AWOL for more than 28 days.
s. Missing Personnel. Missing personnel refers to a
soldier/rating/airman whose whereabouts cannot be ascertained in
circumstances other than AWOL. A Board of Inquiry is to be set up
to determine whether the missing personnel is to be presumed
dead or otherwise after one year of such disappearance.
t. Name of a Soldier/Rating/Airman. The name of a
soldier/rating/airman shall be governed by the following
provisions:
(1) Name(s). The name(s) of a soldier/rating/airman
shall be the name(s) given at attestation and shall not be
subject to change or alteration unless as specified in sub-
section (2) below.
(2) Change of Name(s). Personnel desiring of change of
name(s) shall apply through the Commanding
Officer/Commander for approval. The application must be
accompanied by the relevant documents.
(3) Use of ‘He’ & ‘Man’. The use of the word ‘he’ &
‘man’ apply to both male and female personnel except where
specifically stated.

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u. Non Commissioned Officer (NCO). NCO refers to a

personnel of the Nigerian Armed Forces on the ranks of
Pte/Equivalent to AWO/NWO/AWO. The term NCO will be used
for these categories of personnel in all joint service concerns.
For the purpose of categorization, NCOs shall be grouped as
follows:
(1) Pte/Equivalent - Cpl/Equivalent(Junior NCOs).
(2) Sgt/Equivalent - AWO/Equivalent (Senior NCOs).

v. Next-of-Kin. Next-of-Kin is a person (s) documented by

soldier/rating/airman on attestation or thereafter amended in
Service records to whom pensionable emoluments, real or
personal estates are entrusted for administration in the event of
death or incapacitation of the soldier/rating/airman without
making a Will.
w. Non-Reckonable Service. Non-Reckonable Service is the
period(s) of service forfeited due to sentence of a court-martial or
by a summary award.
x. Nigerian Citizen. A Nigeria Citizen shall be as
provided for in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria
1999 (as Amended).
y. Pensionable Emoluments. Pensionable Emoluments are
the total annual consolidated salary and allowances earned by a
soldier/rating/airman at the time of discharge from Service.
z. Rating. A rating is an enlisted person in the Nigerian
Navy not holding a commission.

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aa. Reckonable Service. Reckonable service is the same as

pensionable service.
ab. Recruit/Trainee. A recruit/trainee is an enlisted person in
the Armed Forces undergoing initial training.
ac. Reserve. Reserve shall include non-active personnel, units
or formations earmarked to be used on mobilization.
ad. Soldier. A soldier is an enlisted person in the Nigerian
Army not holding a commission.

GENERAL PROVISIONS

01.02. The Armed Forces of Nigeria Harmonised Terms and

Conditions of Service for Soldiers/Ratings/Airmen short titled HTACOS
Soldiers/Ratings/Airmen 2017 (Revised) is a revised edition of HTACOS
for Soldiers, Ratings, and Airmen 2012, which became effective 10th day
of July 2012 (Revised). It contains regulations governing conditions of
service for Soldiers/Ratings/Airmen in the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
Whenever the provisions of these regulations are silent over a particular
subject, the provisions of the Public Service Rules (PSR) and the
Financial Regulations shall apply.

01.03. In this document, the following shall apply:

a. Child. The child of a soldier/rating/airman means a

child who is under the age of 18 years and must be any of the
following:
(1) The soldier/rating/airman’s biological off-spring.

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(2) The soldier/rating/airman’s stepchild, being the

biological off-spring of a spouse of the soldier/rating/airman.
(3) A child adopted by the soldier/rating/airman in
accordance with any statutory provision.

b. Discharge to Commission. Discharge to Commission

applies to soldiers/ratings/airmen that are granted Short Service,
Direct Regular, Direct Short Service or Executive/Special
Duty/Branch Commission. On grant of commission, their military
service as soldiers/ratings/airmen shall be merged, in which case,
their length of service shall commence from the date of
enlistment; for pension purpose only.

c. Family. The family of a soldier/rating/airman shall be

his/her spouse under the Marriage Act, Islamic Law or Native Law
and Custom and children under 18 years subject to a maximum
of 4. However, for record purposes, a serving
soldier/rating/airman can register all his wives and children.

d. Pensionable Service. Pensionable service is military

service, in which:

(1) Service of a soldier/rating/airman counts in full subject

to the individual being commissioned immediately after such
service without a break.

(2) Unbroken service as a soldier/rating/airman counts in

full.

01.04 – 01.05. Reserved.

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CHAPTER 2

ENLISTMENT AND ENGAGEMENT

PART I

ENLISTMENT

02.01. Qualification. A candidate for enlistment into the

Armed Forces of Nigeria shall:

a. Be a Nigerian citizen by birth as defined in the Constitution

of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as Amended).

b. Not less than 18 years and not more than 22 years of age
for non tradesmen and not less than 18 years and not more
than 25 years of age for tradesmen, at the time of enlistment.

c. Possess at least Senior Secondary Certificate of Education

(SSCE) or equivalent with minimum of 5 credits in not more than 2
sittings.

d. Be medically and physically fit in accordance with medical

standards for the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

e. Be unmarried and have no children at the time of enlistment.

f. Be of good character and will be required to produce a

certificate of good conduct from an official of the Local
Government Council where he/she resides, Magistrate, Council
Secretary, Superior Police Officer, Clergy or an officer not below
the rank of Lt Col/Cdr/Wg Cdr from the candidate’s state of origin.

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g. Be free of any previous conviction on criminal grounds by a

court of law.

h. Undergo training for a period not less

than 6 months except otherwise decided by the respective Service
Headquarters.

02.02. Any candidate who conceals his nationality as a foreigner

during enlistment is liable and shall have his recruitment process
terminated. Any person who conceals the foreign identity of a candidate
shall be prosecuted.

02.03. Upon general mobilization, any of the above provisions may

be waived.

02.04. Reserved.

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PART II

ENGAGEMENT & RE-ENGAGEMENT PERIODS

02.05. Initial Engagement. Initial engagement for all

soldiers/ratings/airmen shall be for a period of 10 years regular service,
after which the soldier/rating/airman could voluntarily discharge.

02.06. Re-engagement. Re-engagement period shall be

5 years, renewable up to a maximum of 5 times during the service life of
a soldier/rating/airman.

02.07. Extension of Service. Request for extension of

service from 30 years and above would be for 2 years as approved by
the respective Service Chiefs.

02.08. Condition for Re-engagement/Extension of

Service. The following conditions are to be fulfilled for re-engagement
of service:

a. Be medically fit in accordance with the rules laid down in

‘Medical Standards’ for the respective Services.

b. Be recommended by ASA.

02.09. Prolongation of Service. A soldier/rating/

airman shall not be entitled to discharge to reserve at any time when he
has become liable as a person subject to Service Law, to be tried, by
Court Martial for an offence under the Armed Forces Act.

02.10. Extension of Service on Attending Specified

Course(s). A soldier/rating/airman who attends any of the courses

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listed at Annex A will automatically vary their terms of service to

complete the periods specified with the Colours. Before the course, the
soldier/rating/airman shall be made aware of his liability under this
Section by his ASA and will be required to sign the form of declaration at
Part IV of Annex A.

02.11. Concealment of Foreign Nationality. Any

person who conceals or aids in concealing the foreign nationality of any
member of the Armed Forces of Nigeria is liable and shall be prosecuted.

02.12 – 02.13. Reserved.

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PART III

GENERAL

MAXIMUM SERVICE WITH COLOURS

02.14. Except with the approval of the relevant Service

Headquarters, the service of a soldier/rating/airman shall not exceed 35
years.

02.15. On attestation, all recruits/trainees shall be required to

sign a General Service Attestation paper for service in any part of the
world.

MEDICAL STANDARD

02.16. The standard of medical assessment for enlistment,

re-enlistment, extension, re-engagement and continuance in the Service
shall be in accordance with the Medical Standard of the Services.

RANK AND TRADE STATUS ON RE-ENLISTMENT

02.17. An individual who has previously served in the Armed

Forces of Nigeria may be permitted to re-enlist, at the discretion of the
respective Services under the following conditions:

a. Rank. Rank previously held at the time of discharge

may be re-granted subject to:
(1) Re-enlistment within 12 months of discharge.
(2) Availability of vacancy to such rank.
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(3) Acceptance of a lower rank by the

soldier/rating/airman concerned where there is no vacancy in
the rank previously held by him.

b. Trade Classification.

(1) If re-enlistment takes place within six months of

discharge, trade classification held on discharge may be re-
granted without test.

(2) If re-enlistment takes place more than six months after

discharge, testing will be necessary.

c. Any other conditions that may be specified by the Services.

DISCHARGE FROM THE COLOURS AND TRANSFER TO THE

RESERVE

02.18. A soldier/rating/airman may be recommended for

discharge or transfer to reserve by ASA at any time during his current
terms of engagement under any of the following circumstances:

a. When pronounced by a Medical Board to be unfit for further

service.
b. If within 6 months of service, post initial training, he is
considered by his Commanding Officer/Commander as unfit to
become an efficient soldier/rating/airman.
c. If he has been irregularly enlisted.
d. On reduction of establishment.
e. As may be decided by the respective Services.

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A soldier/rating/airman discharged involuntarily shall be entitled to 3

months’ salary in lieu of notice.

02.19. Reserved.

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CHAPTER 3

DISCIPLINE

DISCIPLINE CODE

03.01. All soldiers/ratings/airmen are subject to military and

civil laws as provided in the Armed Forces Act CAP A20 LFN 2004.

03.02. – 03.04 Reserved.

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CHAPTER 4

PROMOTIONS/ADVANCEMENTS

GENERAL

04.01. Promotion/Advancement is a privilege. It is awarded by

the Service in recognition of hard work and efficiency. There are no
acting ranks for soldiers/ratings/airmen in the Armed Forces of Nigeria
and promotion is therefore only to a substantive rank. The rank
structure of soldiers/ratings/airmen is at Annex B.

04.02. Promotion to Higher Rank. Promotion to the

next rank may be for the following reasons:
a. To fill vacancies in establishments or as otherwise authorised
by the Service Chief.
b. As a special reward for act of gallantry or exceptional
performance.
c. In accordance with the rules for time promotion.
d. Time promotion is reviewed as follows:
(1) Pte/equivalent – LCpl/equivalent – 5 years
(2) LCpl/equivalent – Cpl/equivalent – 5 years
(3) Cpl/equivalent – Sgt/equivalent – 6 years
(4) Sgt/equivalent – SSgt/equivalent – 5 years
(5) SSgt/equivalent – WO – 5 years
(6) WO – MWO – 3 years
(7) MWO – AWO/NWO/AWO – 3 years

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04.03. A MWO must have served a minimum of 32 years to

qualify for promotion to the rank of AWO/NWO/AWO.

CRITERIA FOR PROMOTION

04.04. All soldiers/ratings/airmen have the opportunity to

attain the rank of AWO and its equivalent. The following general criteria,
without prejudice to Service exigencies shall apply:

a. Promotion from Private to LCpl/Equivalent. For a

soldier/ rating/airman to be promoted from the rank of
Pte/equivalent – LCpl/equivalent, he MUST satisfy the following
criteria:
(1) Has served in the AFN for a period of 5 years.
(2) Has 2 years current Performance Reports from his/her
Commanding Officer/Commander.
(3) Has completed and passed his Professional Course at
Third
Grade Courses (eg A3 Courses).
(4) Be screened and certified fit for promotion and be
recommended by a Promotion Board of the respective
Services.
(5) Any other criteria as may be directed in the respective
Services.

b. Promotion from LCpl/Equivalent to Cpl/Equivalent.

For a soldier/rating/airman to be promoted from the rank of

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LCpl/equivalent to Cpl/equivalent, he MUST satisfy the following

criteria:
(1) Has served in the AFN for a period of 5 years as
LCpl/equivalent.
(2) Has 4 years Performance Reports from the
soldier/rating/airman’s Commanding Officer/Commander.
(3) Has completed and passed his Professional Course at
Second Grade Courses (eg A2 Courses).
(4) Be screened and certified fit for promotion; be
recommended by a Promotion Board of the respective
Services.
(5) Any other criteria as may be directed in the respective
Services.

c. Promotion from Cpl/Equivalent to Sgt/Equivalent.

For a soldier/rating/airman to be promoted from the rank of
Cpl/equivalent to Sgt/equivalent, he MUST satisfy the following
criteria:
(1) Has served in AFN for a period of 6 years as
Cpl/equivalent.
(2) Has 5 years Performance Reports from his
Commanding Of ficer/Commander.
(3) Has up to date records of his Service documents.
(4) Must be medically fit.
(5) Has completed and passed his Professional Course at
First Grade Courses (eg A1 Courses).

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(6) Must be recommended for promotion by the respective

Service Board.
(7) Any other criteria as may be directed in the respective
Services.
d. Promotion from Sgt/Equivalent to SSgt/Equivalent.
For a soldier/rating/airman to be promoted from the rank of
Sgt/equivalent to SSgt/equivalent, he MUST satisfy the following
criteria:
(1) Has served in AFN for a period of 5 years as a
Sgt/Equivalent.
(2) Has 4 years Performance Reports from his
Commanding Officer/Commander.
(3) Has up to date records of his Service documents.
(4) Be medically fit.
(5) Has completed all courses relevant to his Trade.
(6) Be recommended for promotion by the respective
Service Board.
(7) Any other criteria as may be directed in the respective
Services.
e. Promotion from SSgt/Equivalent to WO. For a
soldier/rating/airman to be promoted from the rank of
SSgt/equivalent to WO, he MUST satisfy the following criteria:
(1) Has served in AFN for a period of 5 years as
SSgt/equivalent.
(2) Has 4 years Performance Reports from his
Commanding Officer/Commander.
(3) Has up to date records of his Service documents.
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(4) Be medically fit.

(5) Has completed all courses relevant to his trade.
(6) Be recommended for promotion by the respective
Service Board.
(7) Any other criteria as may be directed in the respective
Services.
f. Promotion from WO to MWO. For a soldier/rating/
airman to be promoted from the rank of WO to MWO, he MUST
satisfy the following criteria:
(1) Has served in AFN for a period of 3 years as WO.
(2) Has 2 years Performance Reports from his
Commanding Officer/Commander.
(3) Has up to date records of his Service documents.
(4) Be medically fit.
(5) Has completed all courses relevant to his trade.
(6) Be recommended for promotion by the respective
Service Board.
g. Promotion from MWO to AWO/Equivalent. For a
soldier/rating/airman to be promoted from the rank of MWO to
AWO/equivalent, he MUST satisfy the following criteria:
(1) Has served meritoriously for 32 years in the AFN.
(2) Has 2 years Performance Reports from his
Commanding Officer/Commander.
(3) Has distinguished himself with good conduct, character
and valour.
(4) Has up to date records of his Service documents.
(5) Be medically fit.
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(6) Has completed all courses relevant to his trade.

(7) Be recommended for promotion by the respective
Service Board.
(8) Any other criteria as may be directed in the respective
Services.

04.05. All promotions shall be in accordance with the

regulations of the respective Services.

04.06 – 04.09. Reserved.

REDUCTION AND RESTORATION OF RANK

04.10. Where a soldier/rating/airman is sentenced either by

Court Martial or Summary Trial to forfeit his rank, he will revert to the
rank determined by the sentence.

04.11. Restoration of Forfeited Rank. Where a

soldier/rating/airman forfeits his rank in accordance with
Paragraph 04.10, the forfeited rank may be restored by ASA. This shall
be so, provided such restoration does not grant a higher rank than that
which the soldier/rating/airman would have held before forfeiture. The
procedure for restoration shall be as follows:

a. Forfeited rank shall not be considered for restoration earlier

than 3 years after the effective date of the award and could
thereafter be reconsidered at intervals of 6 months if not restored.

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b. The ASA will state when next consideration (if any) will take
place if the rank is not restored at the first consideration.

c. Consideration by ASA under this subject will take into

account the following:
(1) The gravity of the offence.

(2) Conduct of the soldier/rating/airman since he forfeited

the rank, whether he has or has not overcome the fault for
which he was punished.

(3) Effect of the forfeiture on his pay and morale.

d. Notwithstanding Paragraph 04.11, a forfeited rank could be

restored immediately on act of gallantry. However, restoration of
rank shall not attract any arrears of pay.

04.12 – 04.13. Reserved.

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CHAPTER 5

TRAINING AND EDUCATION

GENERAL

05.01. The main objectives of training and education in the

Armed Forces of Nigeria could be classified into 3:

a. Self-Improvement Training. A self-improvement effort

in education enhances the general level of understanding and
absorption of knowledge, which should stand a
soldier/rating/airman well in learning the complicated and intricate
trades in the Armed Forces.

b. Higher Productivity Training. Higher level of education

promotes higher productivity and better trained force.

c. Resettlement Training. Training and education

enhance better preparation for resettlement at the end of a
military career.

05.02. Reserved.

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TYPES OF TRAINING

05.03. Two types of training are available for

soldiers/ratings/airmen in the Armed Forces of Nigeria:

a. Professional Training. Professional training

prepares soldiers/ratings/airmen for their specialist trades.
b. Academic Training. Academic training enhances the
general knowledge and qualification of a soldier/rating/airman in
preparation for better professional service.

TYPES OF PROFESSIONAL TRAINING

05.04. In order to earn promotion within the Armed Forces of

Nigeria, a soldier/rating/airman is to successfully undergo professional
training commensurate to his rank/rate as follows:

a. Trade Classes III, II, I.

b. Type-rating Training (NN and NAF only).
c. Pre-commissioning training for promotion to EC/SD/BC
officers cadre.

05.05. No soldier/rating/airman is to be promoted without

passing the professional course for the next grade, conducted by an
appropriate professional school.

05.06. Reserved.
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EDUCATIONAL TRAINING

05.07. All soldiers/ratings/airmen are to be encouraged to

avail themselves of the opportunities available for educational or
academic training offered by the Armed Forces of Nigeria. Success at
these educational training may enhance promotion prospects. The
following opportunities are available:

a. In-Service educational training; including:

(1) Online Courses.

(2) Part Time Programmes.
(3) Organized courses for higher rank/rate educational
examination.
b. Sponsorship by the Service/Corporate bodies/NGOs for a
soldier/rating/airman who gains admission into any accredited
higher institution in the country.

05.08. University Cadetship. Any serving soldier/rating/

airman with requisite officer-like qualities/bearing (to be decided by an
appropriate board set up by respective Services Headquarters for the
purpose) who gains admission under Section 05.07 above may be
granted university cadetship. Such a soldier/rating/airman upon
successful completion of the programme shall be considered for
commissioning in line with extant regulations to be decided by an
appropriate board set up by Services Headquarters for the purpose.

05.09. – 05.10. Reserved.

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05.11. Conditions for Sponsorship. For a soldier/rating/

airman to be sponsored for a course of 2 years and above, he must:

a. Have gained admission into an accredited institution of

higher learning.
b. On application, be recommended by the Commanding
Officer/Commander.
c. Be of the rank/rate of Cpl/equivalent and above with good
conduct.
d. Have at least 5 years of service left after the completion of
the course.

05.12. Penalty for Failure. A soldier/rating/airman will

lose 4 months seniority for every session spent on a course subject to a
cumulative period of one year for failing a sponsored course. Where a
soldier/rating/airman is withdrawn for poor performance, he will lose
one year seniority, provided that no personnel shall be penalised on
both grounds.

05.13. Professional Courses. Professional Courses shall

be sponsored in accordance with the determined scales by the
respective Services.

05.14– 05.15. Reserved.

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CHAPTER 6

LEAVE

GENERAL

06.01. The leave year is from 1st January to 31st December

every year. Soldiers/ratings/airmen will complete their leave (including
any travelling time allowed) within the leave year.

ANNUAL LEAVE

06.02. Twenty-one (21) working days leave shall be granted

to serving soldiers/ratings/airmen within the leave year.

06.03. A soldier/rating/airman may be required to return to

duty, before the expiration of any leave granted. He may however, be
allowed to complete the leave at any other time during the year when
the conditions which necessitated his recall no longer exist.

06.04. A soldier/rating/airman who join the Colours during the

leave year will be eligible to leave calculated on pro-rata basis, but such
leave will be added to leave taken in the following year.

06.05. Reserved.

TERMINAL LEAVE

06.06. Ninety days terminal leave may be granted to a

soldier/rating/airman before completion of his period of service with the
Colours, or on his being pronounced by a Medical Board to be unfit for

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further military service, or at the instance of the Service Chief, if his

services are no longer required.

06.07. All leave period not enjoyed for the year calculated on
pro-rata basis may be added to terminal leave.

06.08. All leave will be completed before the date of

termination of a soldier/rating/airman’s Colour service. Travel to his
home place will be at public expense.

06.09. Reserved.

COMPASSIONATE LEAVE

06.10. On extreme compassionate ground, Commanding

Officers/ Commanders may grant up to 14 days leave with one free
transport fair. This will not count against privileged Leave. Where
essential, extension of compassionate leave for up to a maximum of 21
days, may be granted by the ASA. In all cases the compassionate
circumstance will be verified before the grant of leave is approved.

06.11. Before a soldier/rating/airman leaves active service, all

accumulated leave must be consumed. Where this is not possible, the
soldier/rating/airman’s entitlement shall be added to his terminal leave.

06.12. A soldier/rating/airman who requires extension of his

pass while on leave should report to the nearest military barrack for
notification to his unit.

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MATERNITY LEAVE

06.13. The conditions for the grant of maternity leave to

female soldiers/ratings and airwomen are as those applicable in the
Public Service Rules. A female soldier/rating and airwoman who is
pregnant is entitled to 16 weeks maternity leave at a stretch with full
pay. A medical certificate showing the expected date of confinement
must be presented not less than 2 months
before that date. The annual leave for that year will, however, be
regarded as part of the maternity leave.

06.14. Where the annual leave has already been availed

before the grant of maternity leave, that part of the maternity leave
equivalent to annual leave would still be granted with pay. Female
soldiers/ratings and airwomen who are undergoing basic military training
shall not be pregnant. Where this happens they shall be withdrawn from
the training and shall face disciplinary action.

06.15. Reserved.

SICK LEAVE

06.16. A soldier/rating/airman may be granted sick leave

subject to the following conditions:

a. On recommendation of a competent medical authority, a

soldier/rating/airman may be granted sick leave not exceeding 21
days by his Commanding Officer/Commander.

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b. A soldier/rating/airman on sick parade who is recommended

for sick leave by a medical officer should, before going home,
report to his Commanding Officer/Commander and be formally
granted sick leave as per Sub- Paragraph (a) above. It is an
offence for a soldier/rating/airman to go home from the hospital
because he has been granted sick leave by a medical officer
without being formally permitted to do so by his Commanding
Officer/Commander.

c. Where total sick leave granted a soldier/rating/airman in a

leave year is in excess of 21 days and the soldier/rating/airman is
still genuinely sick, his Commanding Officer/Commander should
not refuse granting the leave, but may commence Medical Board
procedure immediately.

d. The maximum 21 days leave does not apply where a

soldier/rating/airman is on hospital admission. However, the
Commanding Officer/Commander of the hospital may use his
discretion to recommend the soldier/rating/airman to be medically
boarded where, in the opinion of the CO Medical; he is unfit for
continued military service.

DISEMBARKATION LEAVE

06.17. Any soldier/rating/airman who has been within or

outside Nigeria on course or attachment for a continuous period as
stated below may be granted disembarkation leave as follows:

a. Courses 3 – 6 months duration - 7 days.

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b. Courses above 6 months duration - 14 days.

c. 1 year and above and PSO - 21 days.

The soldier/rating/airman is entitled to single return fare.

SPECIAL LEAVE/PASS

06.18. Special leave may be granted in circumstances

not covered by the forms of leave already mentioned in
Paragraphs 06.02 – 06.17.

06.19. Reserved.

LEAVE OUTSIDE NIGERIA WHILE ON COURSE/ATTACHMENT

06.20. Soldiers/ratings/airmen granted leave outside Nigeria

when on course or attachment shall be treated as follows:

a. Soldiers/ratings/airmen may be permitted to travel subject

to a maximum of 7 days leave being granted in each case. A
maximum of 3 such journeys may be authorised for a
soldier/rating/airman in a year.

b. Air travel within the country during such leave will be by

economy class.

06.21. Soldiers/ratings/airmen on overseas courses or

attachment lasting more than 2 years will be allowed to travel home on
leave at government expense every other year. Air travel in respect of
such leave will be economy class.

06.22 – 06.23. Reserved

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CHAPTER 7

TRAVELS

TRAVELS AT PUBLIC EXPENSE

07.01. A soldier/rating/airman is eligible for travel at public

expense in the following circumstances:

a. In accordance with current recruiting regulations.

b. On change of permanent duty station.
c. On discharge or transfer to reserve (to his permanent
home).
d. On temporary duty (official tour).
e. On leave, in accordance with the provisions in Chapter 6.
f. On the authority of his Commanding Officer/Commander,
where not covered by the above conditions.

WITHIN NIGERIA

07.02. Duty Tour Allowance. Duty Tour Allowance for

soldiers/ratings/airmen within Nigeria shall be as provided from time to
time in the Manual of Financial Administration for Armed Forces of
Nigeria (MFAAFN).

07.03. First 28 Days Allowance. First 28 days allowance

for a soldier/rating/airman shall be in line with MFAAFN.

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OUTSIDE NIGERIA

07.04. Estacode Allowance. Estacode Allowance for

soldiers/ratings/airmen travelling outside Nigeria shall be as provided in
the MFAAFN.
FAMILY TRAVEL AT PUBLIC EXPENSE

07.05. A soldier/rating/airman’s family, as defined in

Section 01.03(c) is entitled to travel at public expense within Nigeria on:

a. Joining the soldier/rating/airman for the first time at his

station, after his first year of service.
b. The change of permanent duty station of a
soldier/rating/airman.
c. Changing station on temporary duty, other than to attend a
course of instruction or operations for more than six months.
d. Discharge or transfer to Reserve.
e. The authority of his Commanding Officer/Commander where
not covered by the above rules.

07.06. Within Nigeria.

a. Rail. For any journey by rail, soldiers/ratings/airmen

are to travel economy class.

b. By Road or Water. The form of free transport authorised

will be the most economical for the class applicable for which
government warrants are not admissible.

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c. By Air. Soldiers/ratings/airmen will travel in economy

class when exigencies of Service demand.

07.07. In all cases where government warrants are not

acceptable and official receipts not issued by transporters, mileage rate
will be claimed in accordance with existing regulations.

07.08. Families will travel in the class of transportation

applicable to the soldier/rating/airman.

07.09. Outside Nigeria.

a. By Rail. For any journey by rail outside Nigeria,

soldiers/ratings/airmen are to travel economy class.

b. By Air. Air travel by a soldier/rating/airman will be by

economy class.

c. Other Means. Any other means of transportation will be

by economy class.

FAMILIES

07.10. A soldier/rating/airman’s family is not expected to

accompany him while on a course outside Nigeria. But if he is on
attachment to a Nigerian Mission, lasting more than one year, the family
shall travel in the class applicable to the soldier/rating/airman.

07.11. Reserved.

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CHAPTER 8

PAY AND ALLOWANCES

08.01. The Consolidated Armed Forces Salary Structure

(CONAFSS) approved by Federal Government National Salaries, Income
and Wages Commission Circular Reference Number SWC/S/04/VIII/301
dated 1 July 2010 shall apply, with necessary modifications, alterations
and replacements from time to time as may be approved by the Federal
Government.

08.02. Details of harmonised allowances for

soldiers/ratings/airmen are as promulgated in the MFAAFN.

08.03 – 08.04. Reserved.

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CHAPTER 9

MEDICAL

MEDICAL ATTENTION
09.01. Soldiers/ratings/airmen, whether on duty or leave, are
entitled to receive medical attention in military or government hospitals
at public expense.

09.02. A soldier/rating/airman (except when on leave out of

military station) will have medical attention in the first instance at the
unit medical centre, where attention from a military medical officer or
other authorised medical practitioner is available.

09.03. A soldier/rating/airman on leave, out of military

medical centre, shall receive medical attention from the nearest
government hospital. Only when a military or a government hospital is
not available shall a soldier/rating/airman attend a private hospital.

HOSPITAL TREATMENT

09.04. Hospital treatment, whether provided in a military,

government or private hospital, shall be at public expense including
boarding and lodging. However, treatment in private hospital shall not
be paid for where the soldier/rating/airman had ample opportunity to
avail himself of treatment in a military or public hospital. For the
purpose of clarification, government hospitals include mission hospitals

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and medical institutions run by other voluntary non-profit oriented

agencies as opposed to purely private hospitals.

ANNUAL MEDICAL TEST

09.05. All soldiers/ratings/airmen are to undergo compulsory

Comprehensive Annual Medical Test once a year. Such medical test
must be in line with respective Services Medical Standard. Medical report
to be compiled and verified by the respective Medical Services taking
cognizance of the following:

a. Body Fat Index. In line with global practices, Body Fat

Index (BFI) of a person is the amount of tissue mass around the
neck, waist and hips. The points of measurement and age variance
may be used to determine for both sexes.

b. Body Mass Index. The Body Mass Index (BMI) is the

amount of tissue mass viz muscle, fat and bone used to categorise
a person as underweight, normal weight, overweight or obese.

MEDICAL SPECIAL APPLIANCES

09.06. The supply, repair and replacement of special

appliances which are necessary for the military efficiency of a
soldier/rating/airman shall be at public expense. Supply, repair and
replacement of special appliances shall be on repayment, at cost price,

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where not necessary for military efficiency, or where damage or loss is

the fault of the soldier/rating/airman.

SPECIAL APPLIANCES

09.07. Artificial Limbs. Where limb(s) is lost as a result

of an accident, the supply, repair and replacement of the artificial limb
shall be at the public expense.
09.08. Blood Bank. All formation Medical Facilities shall
maintain a blood bank for the benefit of soldiers/ratings/airmen and
their families.

09.09. Dental Treatment. A soldier/rating/airman with any

dental condition will be treated in any military or government hospital at
public expense.

09.10. Denture.

a. Initial issue of dentures will be free. However, dentures will

not be provided free where the conditions were brought about
through negligence or fault of the soldier/rating/airman.

b. Subsequent issues will be paid for only when the wearing of

denture was brought about in the course of duty.

09.11. Spectacles. Initial and subsequent issue,

repair and renewal of spectacle will be free except where the condition
was occasioned through the soldier/rating/airman’s negligence.
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09.12. Other Appliances. The provision of other

appliances such as hearing aids, wheel chair, crutches, walking sticks,
artificial eyes etc shall be at public expense. However, this is only
applicable when the injury leading to the use of such an appliance
occurred while on official duty.

TREATMENT AFTER DISCHARGE

09.13. Soldiers/ratings/airmen who are discharged from

Service shall continue to receive free medical treatment at public
expense until death.

MEDICAL TREATMENT OVERSEAS

09.14. Medical treatment outside Nigeria will be approved by

Service Chiefs on the recommendation of the respective Service Medical
Board. If the respective Service Medical Board considers that the
treatment outside Nigeria is necessary, its recommendation shall be
subject to approval by the head of each Service Medical Corp who shall
personally certify the case.

09.15. The treatment of soldiers/ratings/airmen including

those wounded in action is covered by NHIS, while gunshot and other
ballistic related treatment shall be the responsibility of the respective
Services.

09.16. Reserved.

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FAMILIES OF SOLDIERS/RATINGS/AIRMEN

GENERAL

09.17. The family of a soldier/rating/airman for the purpose of

this Chapter shall be as defined in Paragraph 01.03 (c) of this document.

09.18. Reserved.

MEDICAL ATTENTION

09.19. The family of a soldier/rating/airman is entitled to

receive medical treatment in a military or government hospital at public
expense. The family should attend and receive medical attention from a
military medical officer or other authorised medical practitioner. The
family, where there is no unit medical centre, may receive medical
attention from the nearest government medical officer.

HOSPITAL TREATMENT

09.20. The conditions for admission to hospital shall be as

follows:

a. Members of the family of a soldier/rating/airman shall be

admitted in a military hospital. However, where there is no military
hospital, they will be admitted in a government hospital.

b. Hospital treatment, including maternity cases, whether

provided in a military or government hospital, shall be at public
expense.

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MEDICAL EVACUATION OUTSIDE NIGERIA

09.21. The conditions for medical evacuation outside Nigeria

shall be as follows:

a. Where recommended by a Medical Board and approved by

the Service Chief, spouses of a soldier/rating/airman shall receive
medical treatment overseas at government expense, i.e.,
government shall evacuate, pay hospital bills and while
convalescing out of hospital on the doctor’s advise, the
government shall pay hotel bills and cost of drugs purchased,
including incidental expenses.

b. All the recorded children of a soldier/rating/airman (not more

than 4) shall receive medical treatment overseas when
recommended by a medical board and approved by the Service
Chief, at government expense, i.e., government shall settle bills,
and while convalescing out of hospital, on the doctor’s advise, the
government shall pay hotel bills and cost of drugs purchased,
including incidental expenses.

09.22. The Services shall pay 100% for treatment of spouses

and children of soldiers/ratings/airmen who fall sick while on overseas
leave.

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MEDICAL TREATMENT FOR THE FAMILIES OF DISCHARGED

SOLDIERS/RATINGS/AIRMEN

09.23. The spouse and only children not exceeding 18 years

old of a discharged soldier/rating/airman shall be entitled to free medical
treatment at public expense in military and government hospital.

09.24. Reserved.

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CHAPTER 10

LEGAL POSITION AND LIABILITIES

GENERAL

10.01. A civilian joining the Armed Forces of Nigeria shall, in

addition to Civil Laws, be subject to military law under, the AFA CAP 20
LFN 2004 as Amended. When a soldier/rating/airman is outside Nigeria
on operations, training or exchange programme, his legal position shall
be determined by the agreement entered into between Nigeria and the
host country or responsible body.

10.02. The provisions regarding the discipline of

soldiers/ratings/airmen in the Armed Forces Act shall also apply to all
soldiers/ratings/airmen in a Foreign Service.

LEGAL AID

10.03. Legal Aid shall be provided to a soldier/rating/airman

who, while carrying out official duties or any other duty sanctioned by
the Service authority, incurs a civil or criminal liability. The
soldier/rating/airman must be seen to be acting within the scope of his
duty. He shall be entitled to free legal aid subject to the following
conditions:

a. Legal aid can only be approved on behalf of the Service

Chief by:
(1) Chief of Administration DHQ/ Services HQs

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(2) Comd TRADOC – (NA Only).

(3) GOC/FOC/AOC
(4) Comdts of NDC, AFCSC, NDA, NAFRC, DG of DICON
and Comds of Direct Reporting Units/Fmns of the respective
Services.

b. Legal aid sought after determination of a case may not be

approved except where the case was determined within such a
short time that allowed no reasonable time for application.

c. Where a soldier/rating/airman is fined, he shall be liable to

be surcharged the whole or part of the fine by his Commanding
Officer/Commander depending on the circumstances of the case.
If the offence is committed during the normal course of duty, the
fine will be paid by the affected Service.

10.04. Redress. A soldier/rating/airman is entitled to

redress when he feels he has been wrongly or unfairly treated at any
time by any superior rank. The seeking of redress by such a
soldier/rating/airman shall be through the laid down channels of
communication and in accordance with the provisions of the Armed
Forces Act.

10.05. Reserved.

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CHAPTER 11

ACCOMMODATION

ELIGIBILITY

11.01. Soldiers/ratings/airmen who are not married shall live

in single accommodation in the barracks. Where a single
accommodation in the barracks is not available, a soldier/rating/airman
may, on the authority of his Commanding Officer/Commander be
allowed to live outside the barracks and be granted the appropriate rate
of lodging allowance. Soldiers/ratings/airmen that claim married status
and have completed one year of service are eligible for allocation of
married quarters. If quarters are not available and their families are in
the station, they may live outside the barracks and be granted the
appropriate rate of lodging allowance. Where a soldier/rating/airman
goes outside Nigeria on a course or attachment, the spouse shall
continue to occupy his quarters.

SCALE OF FURNISHING

11.02. All soldiers/ratings/airmen are entitled to hard and soft

furnishing. Hard furnishing shall be paid every 4 years, while soft
furnishing shall be paid annually.

LODGING/RENT SUBSIDY

11.03. Where government quarters are not provided and it is

not feasible to rent private accommodation, soldiers/ratings/airmen

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could rent a private accommodation on their own. The lodging/rent

subsidy allowance is 40% of annual salary.

ALLOTMENT

11.04. Scale. The authorised scale of quarters is as

follows:

a. WO and above - A living room and 3 bedrooms.

b. LCpl/equivalent to SSgt/equivalent - A living room and 2
bedrooms.
c. Pte/equivalent - A living room and 1 bedroom.

11.05. A soldier/rating/airman will not be allowed to occupy

quarters larger than that for which he is eligible unless no smaller
quarters are available in the station. In such case, he will be allotted
the quarters on temporary basis, and on being given a minimum of one
month notice, will be required to vacate it when:

a. Quarters appropriate to his rank can be made available for

his use, or

b. The quarters are required for a soldier/rating/airman eligible

for its allocation.

HOUSING SCHEME

11.06. All soldiers/ratings/airmen should be encouraged to

own a house. In order to facilitate loans for soldiers/ratings/airmen, the
various Services’ Housing Schemes or the Federal Mortgage Bank shall
be used to supplement the Federal Government Staff Housing Loan
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Scheme. Where a soldier/rating/airman obtains loan from other sources

for the purpose of building a house and such sources including
mortgage banks etc, require guarantors, each Service HQ may
guarantee such loan.

11.07 – 11.08. Reserved.

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CHAPTER 12

CLOTHING AND EQUIPMENT

GENERAL

12.01. Clothing and equipment shall be issued free to all

soldiers/ratings/airmen on enlistment or re-enlistment.
Soldiers/ratings/airmen are entitled to 2 pairs of uniform annually; to be
issued in January and July respectively. While soldiers/ratings/airmen on
operations within or outside Nigeria are entitled to 2 pairs each; to be
issued on deployment and after 6 months . Other scales of uniform and
equipment are to be as laid down in the respective Services Regulations.

REPLACEMENT

12.02. Replacement of clothing and equipment, rendered

unsuitable through wear and tear shall be free. Losses of or damage to
clothing and equipment due to misuse and neglect shall be treated
under the provisions of the Armed Forces Act.

ISSUE OF CIVILIAN CLOTHING

12.03. A soldier/rating/airman travelling outside Nigeria shall

be paid civilian clothing allowance as approved in the various Services
Orders. This allowance is paid once in 3 years.

12.04. Military personnel who by the nature of their daily work

need to wear civilian clothing in place of uniforms shall be given civilian
clothing allowance as approved in various Services Orders.
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RETENTION OF ARTICLES OF CLOTHING AND EQUIPMENT

12.05. Soldiers/ratings/airmen on discharge or transfer to

reserve shall be allowed to retain service items in their possession. The
scales of such items shall be in accordance with Regulations for Clothing
and Equipment in the respective Services. All soldiers/ratings/airmen are
to retain only ceremonial dress for ceremonies, but all other articles of
uniform are to be submitted on discharge.

PAYMENT FOR LOST CLOTHING AND EQUIPMENT

12.06. A soldier/rating/airman will be required, in accordance

with Regulations for Clothing and Equipment in the Armed Forces of
Nigeria, to pay for any article of clothing and equipment under the
following conditions:

a. During his Service he will pay for all the items which he has
been issued with, but lost due to his negligence.

b. On discharge, he will pay for all the items which he should

have handed in to his unit, but failed to do so.

12.07 – 12. 08. Reserved.

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CHAPTER 13

FEMALE SOLDIERS/FEMALE
RATINGS/AIRWOMEN

GENERAL

13.01. Females are eligible for enlistment into the Armed

Forces of Nigeria, and all Service conditions applicable to men shall
apply to them unless otherwise specified.

DISCIPLINE

13.02. The discipline for the female soldier/rating and

airwoman is the same as for the male soldier/rating or airman. She is
only allowed to marry or get pregnant after 3 years of initial military
Service. Female soldiers/ratings and airwomen shall not be pregnant
while undergoing basic military training. Where this happens, they shall
be withdrawn from the training and face disciplinary action.

TRAINING IN NIGERIA

13.03. Training for female soldiers/ratings and airwomen is

the same as for their male counterparts except that the peculiarities and
normal conditions and restrictions applicable to female soldiers/ratings
and airwomen in such training establishment will be strictly applied.

UNIFORMS

13.04. Uniforms for female soldiers/ratings and airwomen

shall be as prescribed in the respective Service Dress Regulations.
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POSTING/DRAFTING

13.05. Irrespective of marital status, female soldiers/ratings

and airwomen shall be posted/drafted anywhere according to exigencies
of Service. However, where a husband and wife are not in the same
location, efforts should be made to ensure that they are posted to serve
in the same location.

LODGING ALLOWANCES

13.06. Female soldiers/ratings and airwomen are eligible to

accommodation as per their male counterparts commensurate with their
ranks. However, female soldiers/ratings and airwomen whose spouses
are not serving personnel may reside outside the barracks and claim
lodging allowance.

ACCOMMODATION IN TRAINING INSTITUTIONS

13.07. Female soldiers/ratings and airwomen under training

will be accommodated separately in any military institution and all
instructions normally applicable to women under such conditions will be
strictly adhered to.

13.08 – 13.10. Reserved.

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CHAPTER 14

PENSION AND OTHER BENEFITS

GENERAL

14.01. The payment of pensions and gratuity is covered by

the Armed Forces Pensions Act in force or as may be amended from
time to time.

14.02. The actual payment including other non-effective

awards is the responsibility of MPB.

14.03. Pension and/or Retirement Benefits awarded under the

Armed Forces Pension Act cannot be assigned or transferred except it is
intended to satisfy a debt due to any Government in the Federation,
Authority, Institution or any agencies declared as the public service.

14.04. Whenever a pensioner is unable to attend verification

as may be required from time to time due to incapacitation, a medical
certification should be issued by a certified military or government
hospital, which shall be presented by his NOK during verification

14.05. The basis for computation of pensions and gratuity

should be full CONAFSS rather than DCONAFSS.

ENTITLEMENTS

14.06. All soldiers/ratings/airmen duly discharged from service

are entitled to retirement benefits as stipulated in the Armed Forces
Pensions Act in force or as may be amended from time to time.
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WAR SERVICE

14.07. The period served by a soldier/rating/airman during an

officially declared war, civil or external, shall count as double for
purposes of calculating his pensions and gratuity. War service means
any or all of the following;

a. Service in the Armed Forces after 27 May 1967 and ending

before 16 January 1970.

b. Any other service as may be so declared from time to time

by an Order made by the President of the Federal Republic Nigeria
.

14.08. Reserved.

AWOL

14.09. If a soldier/rating/airman goes on AWOL, absents or

deserts from his duty station, the AWOL procedure will apply.

14.10. For the purpose of pension and gratuity, all absence

without duly authorized leave shall on conviction and publication be
deducted before determining the period of payment.

LEAVE WITHOUT PAY

14.11. Leave without pay shall not be allowed during the

period of service of a soldier/rating/airman.
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MISSING IN ACTION

14.12. A Board of Inquiry shall be convened to investigate the

case of a soldier/rating/airman who, after one year is still declared
missing. The Board shall establish the circumstances surrounding the
soldier/rating/airman’s disappearance and make recommendation for the
soldier/rating/airman to be presumed dead or otherwise. Where the
board concludes that the soldier/rating/airman is presumed dead, his
NOK shall be paid all his benefits in accordance with the provision of
Paragraph 14.14 of this document. However, if the soldier/rating/airman
is found alive after payment of his/her benefits to the NOK, another
Board could be constituted by the Service to determine the suitability of
such soldier/rating/airman remaining in Service or otherwise subject to
the approval of the Service Council/Board.

PRISONER OF WAR

14.13. If a soldier/rating/airman is taken Prisoner of War or

declared MIA, his monthly salary shall be paid to his immediate family
until his case is finally disposed of. If he is ultimately declared dead, the
NOK shall be paid all his entitlements together with other entitlements in
accordance with Para 14.14. However, if the soldier/rating/airman is
found alive after payment of his/her benefits to the NOK, another Board
could be constituted by the Service to determine the suitability of such
soldier/rating/airman remaining in Service or otherwise subject to the
approval of the Service Council/Board.

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DEATH ON ACTIVE SERVICE

14.14. Death of a soldier/rating/airman resulting from any of

the circumstances listed below shall be regarded as Death on Active
Service:

a. War including civil war if officially declared by the legitimate

government.

b. Civil commotion, uprising, if officially deployed.

c. Official sport, e.g. boxing, football, wrestling etc during the

respective Service’s authorized competition.

d. Motor or other forms of accident while on official duty.

e. Handling, testing and storage of ammunition, explosives,

mines, electrical appliances and other military equipment.

f. Fire fighting.

g. Involvement in collapsing structure or trenches including

buildings and bridges during official assignments.

h. Diving, climbing during official duty or in the course of

official engineering duty.

i. Sea faring during official duty.

j. Exposure to radio-active and NBC agents.

k. Intelligence service, rescue operations and other special

assignments.
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l. Military exercises and operations.

m. Flying duties.

n. Any other cases that will be considered on its merit.

14.15. Pension and gratuity paid to NOK where a

soldier/rating/airman is killed in the course of duty or action shall be as
follows:
a. Without prejudice to Sub-section ‘b’ below, where, during his
period of service, a soldier/rating/airman dies as a result of injuries
received in the course of his duties:

(1) Without his own fault;

(2) On account of circumstance specifically attributable to
the nature of his duty, they shall be paid to his NOK, where
there is no NOK to any person being a trustee or heir of
such a soldier/rating/airman, a gratuity which the
soldier/rating/airman would have been entitled to on the
date of his death, whichever is higher.

b. In addition to the gratuity payable under sub-paragraph (a)

above, there shall be granted:

(1) If the deceased soldier/rating/airman leaves a widow,

a pension to her, for life, while unmarried and of good
character, at a rate not exceeding one-third of his accrued
pension at the date of his death.

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(2) If the deceased soldier/rating/airman leaves a widow,

to whom a pension is granted, under sub-section (1) above
and a child or children, a pension, in respect of each child,
until such child, attains the age of 18 years, of an amount
not exceeding one-third of the pension prescribed in that
paragraph; but where the deceased leaves only one child,
that child shall be entitled to two-third of the deceased
soldier/rating/airman’s accrued pension until he/she attains
the age of 18 years, or if engaged in full-time course of
studies at an institution of higher learning, until he/she
attains the age of 25 years.

(3) If the deceased soldier/rating/airman leaves a child or

children, but does not leave a widow or no pension is
granted to the widow, a pension in respect of each child until
such child attains the age of 18 years, or double the amount
prescribed by Sub-Paragraph (2) above.

BURIAL BENEFITS

14.16. In addition to the existing facilities provided for

deceased military personnel on active service, the following facilities are
to be provided:

a. Preparation or embalmment of a corpse and settlement of

mortuary bills, provision of coffin or casket for
soldiers/ratings/airmen at the rate of 10% of the
soldier’s/rating’s/airman’s annual consolidated salary.
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b. Allowing members of the family of deceased

soldier/rating/airman who live in government quarters to remain
there for 6 months or until his death benefits are paid whichever
comes first.

c. The NOK shall be entitled to 30% of the annual consolidated

salary of the deceased soldier/rating/airman to assist the family to
relocate from the barracks.

d. Soldier/rating/airman’s family as defined in Paragraph 01.03

(c) of this document are entitled to burial at government expense.

14.17. The above facilities are not intended to put an end to

the practice whereby colleagues of deceased soldiers/ratings/airmen
make voluntary contributions to be given to the family or dependant of
the deceased.

EDUCATION WITHIN NIGERIA FOR CHILDREN OF

SOLDIERS/RATINGS/AIRMEN WHO DIE ON ACTIVE SERVICE

14.18. In addition to the provisions in Paragraphs 14.14 to

14.16 above, respective Services will be responsible for the training of
the children of a deceased soldier/rating/airman within Nigeria except
where such trainings are not available within the country; provided they
are under 18 years of age. However, where such children gain
admission into any higher institution before they attain the age of 18
years, children will be allowed to complete the course irrespective of
age. For the purpose of training, the children are to be treated as
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Federal Government Scholars and all the conditions applicable to Federal

Scholarship students will apply.

14.19. Before the payment of gratuity, the spouse shall be

paid maintenance allowance by the Services calculated at 1/3 of the
soldier/rating/airman’s monthly pay. The amount involved will be
deducted from the deceased soldier/rating/airman’s entitlement once it
is determined.

CASUALTY BENEFITS

14.20. Without prejudice to the provisions of this HTACOS or

any other law in existence, every soldier/rating/airman who is killed or
dies as a result of injuries sustained in Active Service within or outside
Nigeria shall be entitled to casualty benefits. The benefits payable to
the NOK shall be in line with the prevailing UN standards.

14.21. In case of death resulting from participation in

sub-regional, regional or United Nations Peace keeping operations,
casualty benefits shall be borne by such bodies.

14.22. Reserved.

DISABILITY PENSION

14.23. Irrespective of length of service, any

soldier/rating/airman who discharges from Service as a result of injury
sustained during official duty shall be entitled to disability pension. Rates
will be determined by the rules/degree of injury as stated by the Medical
Board under the rules contained in the Armed Forces Pensions Act No.
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103, 1979 (CAP 23) of the LFN. Tables A and B of Schedule 2 below as
amended from time to time. Where, however, because of the
soldier/rating/airman’s length of service, the disability pension is not
likely to be as much as the soldier/rating/airman’s normal pension and
gratuity had he retired normally, the higher of the two will be paid to the
soldier/rating/airman but he cannot get both. However, where the
disability award is lower or deemed as the normal service gratuity, 10%
of the percentage disability should be paid to the soldier/rating/airman
as compensation in addition to the gratuity.

TABLE A

DISABILITY PENSION PAYABLE

Serial Category Degree of Disability Remarks

Disability Pension
% Payable %
(a) (b) (c) (d) (e)
1. A Not less 100 per cent
than 66% of last pay
(ATE)
2. B Less than 60 per cent of
66% but last pay (ATE)
not less
than 20%
3. C Less than 20 per cent of
20% last pay (ATE)

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TABLE B

ASSESSMENT OF DISABLEMENT DUE TO SPECIFIED INJURIES

AND CERTAIN OTHER DISABLEMENTS

Serial Description of Assessment

Injury Percentage
Right Left Arm
Arm (%)
(%)
(a) (b) (c) (d)
1. Amputation Cases 100 100
Upper Limbs
2. Loss of hands or 100 100
amputation at higher
sites
3. Amputation at shoulder 80 70
or below shoulder with
stump less than 8
inches from tip of
acromion
4. Amputation from 8 70 60
inches from tip of
acromiun to less than
4½ inches from tip of
olecranon
5. From 4½ inches below 60 50
tip of olecranon
6. Loss of thumb 40 30
7. Loss of three fingers 30 20
8. Loss of two fingers 20 20
9. Loss of terminal 20 Nil
phalange right thumb
10. Any other form of
disfigurement or
disability that affect
part of the body

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In the case of a left handed person certified to be such, the degree of

disablement appropriate to an injury specified above affecting the left
arm, hand, etc shall be that indicated above as appropriate to an injury
affecting the right arm, hand, etc, and vice versa. The loss of thumb
and four fingers of hand have the same assessment as the loss of that
hand.

OTHER SPECIFIC INJURIES

Serial Description of injury Assessment

Percentage (%)
(a) (b) (c)
1. Loss of one eye, the 40
other being normal
2. Loss of vision of one eye, 30
the other being normal
3. Loss of hand and a foot 100
4. Loss of sight 100

OTHER DISABLEMENTS

Serial Description of injury Assessment

Percentage
(%)
(a) (b) (c)
1. Very severe 100
2. Absolute facial 100
disfigurement
3. Mental illness as 100
determined by a Medical
Board
4. Post Traumatic Stress
Disorder/Syndrome 100
Illness as determined by
a Medical Board

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14.24. Distribution of entitlement as stated under this section

on pensions and other benefits is to be done without prejudice to
sections in the respective Service.

14.25. Any discharged soldier/rating/airman who becomes

disabled within 10 years of his/her discharge is eligible to disability
pension provided that the cause of the disability is traced by a Medical
Board to his service period.

AMPUTATION CASES LOWER LIMB

Serial Description of injury Assessme

nt
Percentag
e (%)
(a) (b) (c)
1. Double amputation, through thigh 100
or through thigh on one side and
loss of the foot, or double
amputation below thigh to 4 inches
below knee
2. Double amputation through leg 100
lower than 4 inches below knee and
loss of other foot
3. Modified same amputation, both 100
feet
4. Amputation at tip or below hip with 80
stump not exceeding 5 inches in
length measured from tip of great
trochanter

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(a) (b) (c)

5. Amputation of leg below hip with 70
stump exceeding 5 inches in length,
measured from tip of great
trochanter but not beyond middle
thigh
6. Below middle thigh 4 inches below 60
knee
7. Below knee with stump exceeding 4 40
inch
8. Modified same amputation and foot 30
9. Loss of all toes of both feet 30
proximal to the Interphalangeal
joint
10. Loss of all toes of one foot proximal 20
to the Interphalangeal joint
11. Loss of all toes of both feet distal to 20
the Interphalangeal joint

OTHER BENEFITS

14.26. Services are to provide a Toyota Hilux Jeep to all

AWOs and equivalent while serving and they are to retain such vehicles
on retirement.

14.27. Reserved.

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CHAPTER 15

INTER-SERVICE AND INTER-CORPS/BRANCH

TRANSFER

15.01. Soldiers/ratings/airmen of the rank of Cpl/equivalent

and below who in the course of their military career decide to change
their Corps/Branch/Specialty, may be permitted to do so under
Regulations and Conditions of the respective Services.

15.02. Except for Service exigencies, Inter-Corps/Branch

transfer shall not be permitted in respect of Sgt/equivalent and above.
However, in exceptional cases, the Service Chief could give approval to
applications for inter-Service and Corps/Branch transfer/change for
ranks other than those specified above.

15.03 Reserved.

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CHAPTER 16

HONOURS AND AWARDS

GENERAL

16.01. The grant of decorations and medals to

soldiers/ratings/airmen shall be in accordance with the National Honours
Act and instructions on Military Honours and Awards. All Awards or
decorations will be published in the respective Services Orders and
subsequently in the official Gazette of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The definitions of Military Awards, Honours and Decorations are
contained in detail in Service’ Dress Regulations/Orders.

16.02. DHQ and Services Headquarters RSMs/equivalent shall

be awarded CDS and Service Chiefs medals respectively. Services could
design separate medals specially to honour such RSMs/equivalent.

16.03– 16.04 Reserved.

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CHAPTER 17

MARRIAGES

17.01. A soldier/rating/airman shall only get married after 3

years of initial military Service. An unmarried soldier/rating/airman
intending to get married shall notify his Commanding
Officer/Commander of his intention.

17.02. If a soldier/rating/airwoman marries a commissioned

officer under any existing law, the commissioned officer or the
soldier/rating/airman as the case may be, will be given the option to
leave the Service from the date of such marriage. It is an offence for a
soldier/rating/airman to conceal his marriage to a commissioned officer
for the purpose of preventing the commissioned officer or the
soldier/rating/airman from leaving the Service.

17. 03. Reserved.

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CHAPTER 18

CODE OF CONDUCT AND ETHICS

GENERAL

18.01. Soldiers/ratings/airmen are the driving force of the

military profession. A soldier/rating/airman is therefore, a personality
with military bearing, discipline, integrity, knowledge, properly turned
out at all times; exhibits espirit – de – corps and willing to render
selfless service to his nation. A soldier/rating/airman MUST know that
military service is a national call in the pursuit of national, regional and
global security and development. Soldiers/ratings/airmen are subject to
both military and civil laws, which places more responsibilities on them
to uphold the codes and ethics of the profession. The under listed
codes and conduct are by no means exhaustive but only reintegrate
some salient points for the guidance of soldiers/ratings/airmen on
enlistment. Reference should also be made to the pamphlet entitled
Code of Conduct of Armed Forces soldiers/ratings/airmen.

18.02. A soldier/rating/airman shall not engage in private

business. He shall not use, or allow to be used, his name, government
property, position and connection in any other activity that would
interfere with his official duty or which may be reasonably expected to
bring discredit to the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

18.03. A soldier/rating/airman shall not accept gifts,

gratification, favours, entertainments etc., from person(s) having
business dealing with the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

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18.04. A soldier/rating/airman shall not accept gifts, favours,

entertainments etc, from a soldier/rating/airman of inferior rank; and
this extends to cigarette and drinks.

18.05. A soldier/rating/airman shall not engage in any

amorous relationship with a fellow soldier/rating/airman’s spouse.

18.06. A soldier/rating/airman shall pay all just financial

obligations in a proper and timely manner especially those imposed by
law and mutual contract. It is an offence for a soldier/rating/airman to
be apprehended for failure to license or insure his vehicle, license his
radio and other legal financial obligations.

18.07. A soldier/rating/airman shall not hold membership of

any secret society, or political party. He will not participate in any way
in activities concerned with such societies or parties even in observer
capacity. For the purpose of this section, Secret Societies are those
societies by whatever other names called:

a. Whose membership is not known or made public.

b. Whose proceedings are kept secret and whose minutes are

not kept.

c. Whose objectives are not made public.

d. Whose members are under oath, obligations and other

threats to promote the interest (legitimate or illegitimate) of one
another and come to one another’s aid under all circumstances
without due regard to merit, fair play and justice; of non-
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members. For the avoidance of doubt, since cultural or purely

traditional religious societies are not normally secret by
membership or in the conduct of their affairs, they are ipso facto,
excluded from belonging to secret societies.

18.08. A soldier/rating/airman shall not engage in any form of

brawl or any action of public disgrace.

18.09. A soldier/rating/airman must not at any time be drunk

whether on duty or off duty.

18.10. A soldier/rating/airman must not engage in

homosexuality, lesbianism or bestiality.

18.11. Soldiers/ratings/airmen are subject to the provisions of

the Official Secret Act, which is reproduced at Enclosure 1.

18.12. A soldier/rating/airman shall not be involved in any

fraternity with a commissioned officer.

18.13. A soldier/rating/airman shall not engage in body

piercing, and tattooing on any part of the body.

18.14. A soldier/rating/airman should not steal, accept stolen

property, encourage, conceal or condone stealing.

18.15. A soldier/rating/airman is prohibited from disclosing

official information to the media including social media without the
approval of his Commanding Officer/Commander. Such official
information disclosures also include expression of views on official
matters, experience and electronic data.

18.16. Reserved.

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CHAPTER 19

RESETTLEMENT SCHEME

GENERAL

19.01. Policy guidelines on resettlement should be formulated

to assist soldiers/ratings/airmen to resettle properly on discharge. The
aim of resettlement scheme is to assist soldiers/ratings/airmen to find
civilian employment on completion of their engagement with the
Colours. It is not intended that every soldier/rating/airman leaving the
Service should automatically be encouraged to apply for assistance. The
intention is to help only those personnel who cannot find themselves
employment. The respective Service Resettlement Directorates shall be
responsible for the supervision of the resettlement assistance.

APPLICATION

19.02. A soldier/rating/airman who intends to discharge from

the Service and wants resettlement assistance should apply at least 6
months before he is due for discharge. Such an application will be
forwarded to the respective Service Headquarters through appropriate
authority.

ACTION BY THE SERVICES DIRECTORATE OF RESETTLEMENT

19.03. Resettlement schemes in the Services shall be guided

by the provisions in existence in each of the Services.

19.04. Reserved.

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CHAPTER 20

NATIONAL RESERVE FORCE OF NIGERIA

GENERAL

20.01. The Armed Forces of Nigeria Reserve shall include non-

active personnel, units or formations earmarked to be used on
mobilization. Part 1 Section 2 of the AFA CAP A20 LFN 2004 states that
“There shall be established and maintained by the Armed
Forces an Armed Forces Reserve which shall consist of such
number of officers, warrant officers, non-commissioned
officers, soldiers, ratings and airmen who are transferred to it
on completion of their period of Service in the Armed Forces
and in such other services as the President may prescribe”.

20.02. Role of the Reserve. The role of the National

Reserve Force is to act as a force multiplier to the regular forces in
curbing threats or challenges both within and outside Nigeria without a
fall in efficiency and effectiveness.

20.03. Categories of Reserve Force. The National

Reserve Force shall consist of the following categories:

a. Ready Reserve. The Ready Reserve would be

composed of members of existing para-military
organisations. These are men and women who normally
have full time employment in other para-military
organisations or professional civilians. In most cases, they
provide skills and expertise that are easily transferable to
specialist military roles.

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b. Standby Reserve. The Standby Reserve

would maintain close affiliation without being in the Ready
Reserve. They are key civilian employees of the Ministry of
Defence, National Assembly and Judiciary among others.
Members of this group consist of a pool of trained individuals
who could be mobilized, if necessary, in order to fill
manpower needs in specific areas. They are not required to
receive military training or be part of a unit and are basically
professional volunteers.

c. Retired Reserve. The Retired Reserve would be

composed of retired officers and discharged
soldiers/ratings/airmen that have completed colour service.
These are available and ready source of trained manpower.
These groups can be readily mobilized for active military
duty to meet specific operational requirements and can be
deployed for any task.

20.04. Organisation of Reserve Force. The organisation

of the National Reserve Force will be as approved by the President,
Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of
Nigeria.

20.05. Period of Service. The Period of Service for

members of the National Reserve Force will be as determined by the
Federal Government of Nigeria. However, for discharged personnel from
the AFN, the period will be for initial 3 years after discharge and
thereafter as decided by the Federal Government from time to time.

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20.06. Training. The training of the National Reserve Force

will be as determined by the Federal Government of Nigeria and other
regulations governing the training of such forces.

20.07. Criteria for Selection. The National Reserve

Force selection criteria will be as prescribed in the relevant regulations
for the selection of such forces.

20.08. Allowances. The allowances for members of the

National Reserve Force shall be as decided by the President,
Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces as captured in Part 1 Section 3
of the AFA CAP A20 LFN 2004 which states that “The President may
make regulations governing the pay, duties and methods of recall of
members of the Reserve and any other matters pertaining to the
Reserve as seems to him necessary”.

RECALL FROM THE RESERVE

20.09. Recall from the Reserve shall be governed by

regulations promulgated by the Federal Government from time to time.

20.10. The details of the National Reserve Force are stipulated

in the Manual for the Establishment of the National Reserve Force.

20.11. A person called up for reserve duties shall be deemed

to be on active Service. All benefits with regards to death or injuries as
provided for in this HTACOS shall apply.

20.12. Reserved

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CHAPTER 21

SPECIAL ENLISTMENT

GENERAL

21.01. Special enlistment as the terminology implies, is a

peculiar type of enlistment that includes the following:
a. Nurses.
b. Training Teachers.
c. Dispensers.
d. Dental Technicians.
e. X-Ray Technicians.
f. Lab Technicians.
g. Dental Hygienists.
h. Finance Clerks
i. Plumbers.
j. Carpenters.
k. Electricians.
l. Fitters.
m. Radio Technicians and Fitters.
n. Any other trade as specified by the Service.

The point of entry will vary with qualification and experience.

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RANK STRUCTURE

21.02. Rank structure for specialist enlistment will be

governed by the appropriate Service regulations made from time to
time.

SCALE OF SALARY

21.03. The scale of salary shall be as provided in the

CONAFSS.

PROMOTION

21.04. All promotions shall be guided by the HTACOS and

Service Regulations. AWOs and equivalents who serve at the DHQ and
Services Headquarters could be considered for Concessional
Commission.

21.05. Reserved.

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CHAPTER 22

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF SERVICE

FOR BOYS AND JUNIOR AIRMEN

22.01. Terms and Conditions governing the service of Boys

and Junior Airmen (JAM) shall be as determined by the respective
Services.

22.02 – 22.05. Reserved.

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CHAPTER 23

SPECIAL OPERATIONS FORCES

23.01. The Armed Forces of Nigeria shall maintain a Special

Operations Forces.

23.02. Terms and Conditions of Service shall be as

determined by the Services.

23.03. Reserved.

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CHAPTER 24

WELFARE

SPECIAL BENEFIT

24.01. Any soldier/rating/airman killed in action shall be

entitled to a Special Benefit of a sum of not less than 5 years salary
which shall be paid to his NOK.

LIFE INSURANCE BENEFIT

24.02. Any soldier/rating/airman who dies in active service is

entitled to Life Insurance Benefit as stipulated in the MFAAFN.

CAR/MOTORCYCLE LOAN

24.03. A soldier/rating/airman who attains the rank of WO is

entitled to car loan. While soldiers/ratings/airmen on the rank of
Pte/equivalent to SSgt/equivalent are entitled to a motorcycle loan.

WELFARE/CAR REFURBISHING LOAN

24.04. All soldiers/ratings/airmen are entitled to Service Chiefs

Welfare/Car Refurbishing Loans as provided in the MFAAFN.

24.05. Reserved.

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CHAPTER 25

EXECUTIVE/SPECIAL DUTY/BRANCH COMMISSION

GENERAL

25.01. The Executive/Special Duty/Branch Commission is

strictly a promotion outlet for soldiers/ratings/airmen who by their
experience and ability are fit for a commission in the particular field for
which they are qualified.

CONDITIONS

25.02. In order to be considered for the grant of the

Executive/Special Duty/Branch Commission, candidate MUST fulfil the
following:

a. Be between the ages of 30 and 40 years on the date of

commission.
b. Be medically fit in accordance with the Medical Standards for
the Services.
c. Be a serving personnel.
d. Be a Nigerian citizen by birth.
e. Have attained minimum educational standard of
ACE 1/NCE/SSCE or equivalent and above.
f. Have completed a minimum of 12 years of unbroken service.

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g. Have two good PERs preceding the time of application for

commission.

SELECTION

25.03. Candidates who fulfil the conditions at Paragraph 25.02

above and who are recommended by their Commanding
Officers/Commanders shall undergo an interview by the respective
Service Selection Boards to determine their suitability.

TRAINING

25.04. Candidates who pass the Selection Board shall undergo

a commissioning training at a designated Service school and may be
commissioned on successful completion of the training. Further training
will be as specified by the Services.

SENIORITY

25.05. Candidates shall be commissioned as Lt/SLt/Fg Offr.

Seniority on commission shall be subject to the decision of the Service
Council/Board.

25.06. The rank ceiling for this commission type shall be

Maj/Lt Cdr/Sqn Ldr. However, officers with exceptional ability may be
recommended for promotion to the next higher rank of Lt Col/Cdr/Wg

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Cdr subject to the approval of Service Council/Board. Any such officer so

promoted shall be promoted to retirement.

LENGTH OF SERVICE

25.07. EC/SD/BC is pensionable with service continuing until

the age limit in HTACOS Officers.

25.08. An EC/SD or BC officer who wishes to extend his

service beyond the specified age ceiling shall apply and his application
for extension of service will be referred to Service Council/Board for
consideration. Extension beyond 35 years of service shall not be
allowed.

DEBARMENT FROM VOLUNTARY RETIREMENT OR

RESIGNATION

25.09. The rule on voluntary retirement or resignation in

HTACOS Officer shall apply.

TRANSFER TO THE RESERVE

25.10. Transfer to the Reserve shall be governed by

regulations laid down by the Federal Government from time to time.

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RECALL FROM THE RESERVE

25.11. A recall from the Reserve shall be governed by such

regulations as are laid down by the Federal Government from time to
time.

RESIGNATION AND RETIREMENT

25.12. The rule on resignation and retirement given in

HTACOS Officers shall apply.

EXERCISE OF COMMAND

25.13. An officer holding an EC/SD/BC shall not exercise

power of command over Regular Combatant or Short Service Combatant
Commissioned Officers. EC/SD/BC commissioned officers shall therefore
not be promoted beyond the rank of Maj/Lt Cdr/Sqn Ldr.

TERMINAL BENEFITS

25.14. The conditions for Terminal Benefits in HTACOS

Officers shall apply.

25.15 Reserved.

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CHAPTER 26

CONCESSIONAL COMMISSION

26.01. Concessional Commission is another outlet of Executive

Commission granted to outstanding soldiers/ratings/airmen who possess
exemplary leadership qualities but are above the age limit for EC/SD/BC.
The purpose of the Concessional Commission is to reward hard work,
enhance the retirement benefits of the beneficiaries and to recognize
their meritorious service to the nation. It also serves as a motivation to
non-commissioned officers to aspire for such elevation.

CONDITIONS

26.02. In order to be considered for the grant of this

commission, candidates must fulfil the following:

a. Be of the rank of Master Warrant Officer (MWO) and above

or equivalent.

b. Be RSMs of Defence Headquarters, Service Headquarters,

Corps/Divisional/Equivalent Tri-Service Establishment
Headquarters.

c. Any other soldier/rating/airmen of the rank of MWO and

above who has distinguished himself as determined by the Service
Chief.

d. Have completed a minimum of 33 years of unbroken service.

e. Any other condition(s) as may be determined by the Service

Chief/Council/Board.

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SENIORITY

26.03. Candidates will be commissioned as Captain or

equivalents and seniority on commission shall be determined subject to
the decision of the Service Council/Board.

LENGTH OF SERVICE

26.04. Concessional Commission is pensionable with service

continuing until 6 months period before retirement. It is a terminal and
non-promotable commission.

TRANSFER TO THE RESERVE

26.05. Transfer to the Reserve shall be governed by
regulations laid down by the Federal Government from time to time.

RECALL FROM THE RESERVE

26.06. A recall from the Reserve shall be governed by such
regulations as are laid down by the Federal Government from time to
time.

RESIGNATION AND RETIREMENT

26.07. The rule on resignation and retirement given in
HTACOS Officers shall apply.

EXERCISE OF COMMAND
26.08. An officer holding a Concessional Commission shall not
exercise power of command over Regular Combatant or Short Service
Combatant Commissioned Officers.

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TERMINAL BENEFITS

26.09. The conditions for Terminal Benefits in HTACOS

Officers shall apply.
26.10. Reserved.

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