Personnel from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), who were deployed for the November 16 governorship election in Ondo State, have expressed their frustrations over the non-payment of their allowances even though the election took place more than ten days ago. A total of six thousand NSCDC officers participated in the security operation for the election, with many coming from various neighboring states including Ekiti, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Lagos, Edo, and Delta. The delay in the payment of their allowances has caused significant unrest among the officers, particularly as they observed that personnel from other security agencies, notably the police, had already received their payments.
Several NSCDC members, who spoke anonymously to news outlets, conveyed their disappointment and dissatisfaction with the situation. They pointed out that the delay in receiving their allowances was not only frustrating but also exacerbated by the current economic challenges faced by many citizens in the country. It was emphasized that the non-payment was both unnecessary and demoralizing for those who had fulfilled their security duties during the crucial election period.
One of the aggrieved officers expressed that the delay in receiving payment was completely unwarranted, stating, “Those of us who participated in the Ondo election have not been paid till now. Our counterparts like the police have received theirs already. The economy is not friendly.” Such sentiments highlight the broader concerns regarding the timely disbursement of funds to those who work on the ground during high-stakes events like elections. Another officer echoed similar sentiments, seeking assistance in understanding the reason behind the payment delays from higher authorities.
In response to the growing dissatisfaction within the ranks, Babawale Afolabi, a spokesperson for the NSCDC, addressed the situation. He indicated that he had discussed the issue with both the Deputy Commandant General Operations and the General Commandant, countering claims from the aggrieved officers. According to Afolabi, he was informed that the officers deployed for the Ondo election had, in fact, received their allowances while still on the field. This assertion from management stands in stark contrast to the accounts of the officers, further fueling the uncertainty surrounding the payment process.
The discrepancies between the reports from the NSCDC leadership and the concerns raised by their personnel point to a breakdown in communication and trust. While management insists payments were made, the lack of actual receipt by the officers raises questions about the efficacy of the system in place for managing allowances for deployed security personnel. This situation is particularly critical in light of the difficult economic climate in Nigeria, where timely and fair compensation is vital for the morale and well-being of security operatives who often work in challenging conditions.
Overall, the unresolved issue of allowance payments for NSCDC officers involved in the Ondo State governorship election highlights a significant administrative challenge within the agency. As officers continue to voice their grievances, it becomes essential for the NSCDC leadership to investigate the actual flow of payments and ensure that personnel receive their dues promptly in the future. This situation not only affects the morale of those involved but also has broader implications for public confidence in the security sector during electoral processes, which are fundamental to democratic governance in Nigeria.
