NSCDC Personnel Protest Unpaid Allowances After Ondo Election

Personnel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, deployed for the 16 November Ondo State governorship election have raised concerns over unpaid allowances, more than ten days after the polls.

A total of 6,000 NSCDC officers from Ondo and neighbouring states, including Ekiti, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Lagos, Edo, and Delta, participated in the exercise to ensure peaceful voting.

However, many officers allege that their promised allowances remain unpaid, leaving them frustrated amid Nigeria’s tough economic climate.

Speaking anonymously to The PUNCH, one officer said, “It is disheartening that after fulfilling our duties during the election, we are yet to receive our allowances. The delay is uncalled for, especially since other agencies like the police have already been paid.”

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Another officer expressed similar frustration, stating, “Please ask the Commandant General why we have not been paid. This treatment is unfair given the sacrifices we made.”

Highlighting their grievances, the officers noted that the rising cost of living made the delayed payments even more unbearable.

“We had hoped these allowances would help us meet immediate financial obligations,” one operative added.

In response, NSCDC spokesperson Babawale Afolabi revealed that the issue was brought to the attention of the Deputy Commandant General for Operations and the Commandant General.

He claimed that information from the leadership indicated that payments had already been made on-site during the election.

“I met with the Deputy Commandant General Operations and the Commandant General about this matter,” Afolabi said.

“From what I was told, officers deployed for the election were paid directly in the field.”

Despite this assurance, some officers remain sceptical, urging the authorities to clarify discrepancies in the payment process.

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“If payments were made, why are so many officers still complaining?” a senior operative queried.

This situation has sparked widespread debate about accountability and transparency within the NSCDC, with stakeholders urging swift resolution.

“This is not just about the money; it is about respecting the efforts of these officers,” a retired security analyst commented.

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As the controversy unfolds, there is mounting pressure on NSCDC leadership to address the complaints comprehensively and ensure the prompt payment of all entitlements.