The Federal Government’s disclosure that Nigerian soldiers now earn a minimum monthly salary of ₦100,000 has sparked criticism from serving and retired military personnel, who say the amount is inadequate given the country’s rising cost of living.
Several soldiers and military veterans also accused the government of failing to implement the salary increase President Bola Tinubu promised earlier this year.
The debate followed comments by the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, who said soldiers’ welfare had improved despite funding challenges facing the military.
Speaking during an interview with News Central, the minister said entry-level soldiers now earn ₦100,000 monthly, compared to ₦49,000 previously.
“When they started, a soldier was collecting ₦49,000 monthly. We tried so hard, now he’s collecting ₦100,000,” he said.
He, however, admitted that Nigeria’s defence budget remains inadequate to meet the military’s growing needs.
Veterans describe salary as inadequate
Reacting to the minister’s comments, retired military personnel argued that the new salary falls far short of what soldiers deserve considering the risks they face daily.
A retired soldier, Abdul Isiak, said ₦100,000 could no longer meet basic living expenses.
“It is not enough at all. What is ₦100,000 with the current situation of the country? It can’t get to anywhere. They should do better. If they pay more, they would put more effort into what they are doing,” he said.
Another retired sergeant, Zaki Williams, questioned whether soldiers were even receiving the amount announced by the minister.
“I doubt if they are paying up to that amount now. It is a lie,” he said.
He added that no serious government should expect soldiers battling insecurity across the country to survive on ₦100,000 monthly.
The Coordinator of the Coalition for Concerned Veterans, Abiodun Herbert-Durowaye, also described the salary as inadequate.
“How can that be sufficient for someone putting his life on the line for the country? We know the cost of living today. We are not talking about children’s school fees, shelter and other responsibilities,” he said.
Serving soldiers demand implementation of promised pay rise
Serving military personnel who spoke anonymously said President Tinubu should fulfil his promise to review salaries announced during an interfaith breaking of fast with Service Chiefs in March.
One officer said poor remuneration was affecting morale within the Armed Forces.
“Members of the Armed Forces risk their lives to safeguard Nigeria’s sovereignty, yet their current remuneration falls far short of compensating for the dangers and sacrifices of military service,” the officer said.
According to the personnel, inadequate welfare has contributed to declining morale and an increasing number of soldiers going absent without leave (AWOL) as many struggle to support their families.
Another serving soldier said poor welfare was also making military recruitment more difficult.
“Many Nigerians are reluctant to enlist because military service is no longer seen as financially rewarding,” the source said.
The personnel urged the Federal Government to implement the promised salary review without further delay, warning that continued delays could affect the military’s ability to attract and retain qualified personnel.
Another officer appealed directly to President Tinubu to translate his promise into reality.
“During Iftar, the President raised our hopes and we were very happy. He should please make it a reality. Things are quite expensive, and our current salaries are not enough,” the soldier said.
Defence minister backs death penalty for kidnappers
During the interview, the Defence Minister also called for stricter punishment for kidnappers, supporting the death penalty as a way to deter violent crimes.
“I think we should do that. There must be deterrence. The laws are soft, and that’s why people take advantage,” he said.
He also disclosed that bandits holding abducted schoolchildren in Oyo State had threatened to kill the victims if troops attempted a rescue operation, saying the kidnappers were demanding the release of some of their commanders currently in military custody.
Tinubu meets security chiefs
The controversy over soldiers’ welfare came as President Bola Tinubu held a closed-door security meeting with top military and intelligence officials at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Thursday.
The meeting, which lasted more than two hours, brought together the National Security Adviser, Defence Minister, Chief of Defence Staff, service chiefs, heads of intelligence agencies and the Inspector-General of Police.
Although the Presidency did not release details of the discussions, the meeting followed recent military operations against terrorists and bandits in Zamfara, Katsina and the North-East, where security forces have intensified efforts to combat growing attacks.
