Veterans and serving military personnel have criticised the Federal Government’s newly announced N100,000 minimum monthly salary for soldiers, describing it as inadequate amid rising living costs and unfulfilled promises of improved welfare.
The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, announced the revised salary during a media briefing, stating that the welfare of troops had been reviewed. According to him, the minimum monthly pay for soldiers has increased from N50,000 to N100,000.
The minister, however, acknowledged that funding for the military remains inadequate. Responding to questions on whether the current defence budget was sufficient, he admitted that it was not.
Badaru also advocated capital punishment for convicted kidnappers, arguing that stiffer penalties would serve as a deterrent to the growing menace of abductions across the country.
Reacting to the announcement, retired soldier Abdul Isiak said the new salary was insufficient to meet basic living expenses, adding that better remuneration would improve the morale and effectiveness of troops.
Another retired sergeant, Zaki Williams, questioned the adequacy of the amount, arguing that paying soldiers N100,000 monthly does not reflect the country’s current economic realities.
Also speaking, the Coordinator of the Coalition for Concerned Veterans, Abiodun Herbert-Durowaye, said the salary falls far short of what personnel deserve considering the risks associated with military service. He cited the rising cost of food, housing and education as reasons the new wage would have little impact on soldiers’ welfare.
The veterans further accused President Bola Tinubu of failing to implement a broader salary review reportedly promised to military personnel several months ago.
The reactions come shortly after President Tinubu held a security meeting at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, with service chiefs, intelligence chiefs and other top security officials to review the country’s security situation.
