Soldiers, Veterans fault N100,000 minimum salary
By Taiwo Scholarstica
Reactions have continued to trail the disclosure by the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, that the minimum monthly salary for Nigerian soldiers now stands at N100,000, with veterans and serving military personnel describing the amount as inadequate in the face of the country’s rising cost of living.
The development comes amid renewed calls on President Bola Tinubu to fulfil his promise of a salary increase for members of the Armed Forces, nearly four months after the announcement.
The debate also coincided with a high-level security meeting convened by President Tinubu on Thursday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, where military commanders, intelligence chiefs and top security advisers reviewed the country’s security situation.
Speaking on the salary, a retired soldier, Abdul Isiak, said the current pay was insufficient to meet basic needs and urged the government to improve troops’ welfare.
He said, “It is not enough at all. What is N100,000 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.”
Another retired serviceman, 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, “Even at that, that money is too ridiculous. Any government paying a soldier N100,000 is not a serious one. If you know what they are passing through, you would not offer them such a money. We have been crying but no help. The government has tried, but they can do better.”
The Coordinator of the Coalition for Concerned Veterans, Abiodun Herbert-Durowaye, also described the salary as inadequate for personnel risking their lives daily.
He said, “How can that be ok. How can that be sufficient for someone who’s putting his life on the line for the country? We know the cost of living in this country today. That’s not sufficient for any man who is ensuring the peaceful coexistence of the country. It is far from it. My brother, how much is a bag of rice today? We are not talking about children school fees, shelter and what have you.”
The Minister of Defence had disclosed during an interview with News Central that the Federal Government had reviewed soldiers’ welfare, increasing the minimum monthly salary from N49,000 to N100,000.
Responding to a question on the defence budget, the minister admitted that available funding remained inadequate.
“It’s not enough,” he said.
He added, “When they started, a soldier was collecting N49,000 monthly. We tried so hard, now he’s collecting N100,000.”
The minister also advocated tougher penalties for kidnappers, including capital punishment.
“I think we should do that. There must be deterrence. The laws are soft, and that’s why people take advantage. If they know once you commit an offence, there must be punishment,” Musa said.
Commenting on the recent abduction of pupils in Oyo State, he alleged that the kidnappers were seeking the release of some detained commanders.
“You know, it’s a very sad event. Unfortunately, bad things do happen. For whatever reason, they are looking for leverage because we have some of their commanders with us, and they feel taking these kids and holding them to ransom will make us release their commander,” he said.
He further disclosed, “They are now threatening that if we come any closer, they’re going to kill all the kids.”
Musa also dismissed reports suggesting soldiers were poorly fed.
He said, “The soldier’s food was okay. There was meat; there was all this. But he told them to pull out those things and make it look as if those things were not there.”
Meanwhile, serving military personnel, who spoke anonymously because they were not authorised to comment publicly, urged the Federal Government to immediately implement the salary review announced by President Tinubu in March.
One officer said, “The Federal Government should immediately implement the new salary structure it promised members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria if it is serious about restoring morale and strengthening the nation’s military. Today, many personnel are living in conditions that do not reflect the enormous sacrifices they make in defence of the country.”
The officer added, “Members of the Armed Forces risk their lives to safeguard Nigeria’s sovereignty and protect its citizens. Yet, their current remuneration falls far short of compensating for the dangers, hardships, and sacrifices inherent in military service.
“This disparity has contributed to declining morale and an increasing number of personnel going AWOL, as many struggle to cope with the harsh economic realities facing them and their families.”
Another serving personnel said poor welfare was discouraging recruitment into the Armed Forces.
“The impact is also evident in recruitment. Increasingly, many Nigerians are reluctant to enlist because military service is no longer seen as financially rewarding.
“When those who dedicate their lives to defending the nation continue to face the same economic hardships as the lowest-paid segments of society despite the extraordinary risks they bear, it becomes difficult to attract and retain the calibre of personnel the country needs,” the source said.
The personnel urged the government to fulfil its commitment without further delay.
“The time for decisive action is now. The Federal Government must honour its commitment by implementing the promised salary review without further delay.
“The nation’s security depends on a motivated, well-remunerated, and professional Armed Forces. Failure to act promptly risks worsening attrition and undermining Nigeria’s ability to meet its security challenges effectively,” the source added.
Another officer appealed directly to President Tinubu.
“During Iftar, the President raised our hopes and we were very happy. He should please make it a reality so that everybody will be happy.
“Things are quite expensive, which has made our current salaries not enough. I personally need the increment as I speak. I have children and dependents to cater for,” the personnel said.
President Tinubu had announced the planned salary increase on March 7, 2026, during an interfaith breaking of fast with Service Chiefs at the Presidential Villa.
At the event, he assured members of the Armed Forces of improved welfare.
Tinubu said, “I have listened to the Chief of Army Staff, and recent approvals given to the Army are well placed. My duty is to thank all of you on behalf of a grateful nation, knowing fully well that many times you are without your families, some are facing attacks from banditry and terrorists.
“This nation will always be grateful to you and your sufferings will not be in vain, I can assure you.
“I assure you that we will do everything possible and collectively to ensure that you have no regrets. Your welfare, accommodation and many other opportunities that should be extended to your families will take first priority in our decisions.”
Meanwhile, President Tinubu on Thursday chaired a closed-door security meeting with the National Security Adviser, service chiefs, intelligence heads and other top security officials to review the country’s security situation.
The meeting followed recent military operations in Zamfara, Katsina and the North-East, where troops recorded successes against terrorists and bandits, including the disruption of a planned terrorist offensive and the elimination of notorious bandit commander Alhaji Tukur.
As of the time of filing this report, the Presidency had yet to issue an official statement on the outcome of the meeting.