Ex-Military Officers Say N100,000 Salary Still Inadequate Despite Pay Rise

Retired military officers have argued that the recent increase in soldiers' salaries, including the N100,000 minimum monthly pay for personnel, remains insufficient given Nigeria's current economic realities and the demanding nature of military service. The former servicemen noted that while the salary adjustment is a welcome step toward improving the welfare of troops, rising inflation and the high cost of living continue to erode the purchasing power of military personnel. They stressed that many soldiers deployed to combat insecurity face difficult conditions that require better financial support. According to the ex-officers, improving troop welfare goes beyond salary increases. They called for enhanced housing schemes, quality healthcare, adequate insurance coverage, educational support for military families, and improved retirement benefits to boost morale and reward years of service. They also emphasized that well-motivated troops are more likely to perform effectively in ongoing operations against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and other security threats across the country. Better welfare, they argued, would strengthen discipline, improve operational efficiency, and encourage greater commitment among personnel. Some security analysts echoed the concerns, saying Nigeria's armed forces require sustained investment in both personnel welfare and modern military equipment. They noted that adequate remuneration should be complemented by regular training, improved logistics, and better working conditions to ensure long-term effectiveness. The comments come amid continued efforts by the Federal Government to enhance the welfare of members of the armed forces as part of broader reforms aimed at strengthening national security. Stakeholders believe further engagement between military authorities and the government will be necessary to ensure compensation packages remain competitive and reflect prevailing economic conditions. While acknowledging the significance of the recent pay increase, the retired officers maintained that additional measures would be needed to guarantee that soldiers receive compensation commensurate with the risks and sacrifices associated with defending the nation.