There have been reactions following Christopher Musa’s revelation that Nigerian soldiers now receive a minimum salary of N100,000 per month.
Veterans and serving personnel described the amount as grossly inadequate.
This is as they accused President Bola Tinubu of failing to implement a salary increment he promised nearly four months ago.
This comes as President Tinubu on Thursday evening convened a security meeting at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, comprising the entire military command, intelligence leadership, and top security advisers, including his Special Adviser on Homeland Security, Major General Adeyinka Famadewa (retd.), whom he appointed in May.
A retired soldier, Abdul Isiak, said the current pay could not meet the cost of living.
He added that better pay would translate to better performance from troops.
“It is not enough at all. What is N100,000 with the current situation of the country? It can’t get anywhere. They should do better. If they paid more, they would put more effort into what they are doing,” he said.
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A retired sergeant, Zaki Williams, went further, questioning whether the figure disclosed by the minister was even accurate.
“I doubt if they are paying up to that amount now; it is a lie,” he said.
He described any government paying soldiers N100,000 as “not a serious one” given the hardships troops face.
“Even at that, that money is too ridiculous. Any government paying a soldier N100,000 is not a serious one. If you knew what they were passing through, you would not offer them such money. We have been crying but no help. The government has tried, but they can do better,” he said.
The coordinator of the Coalition for Concerned Veterans, Abiodun Herbert-Durowaye, said the sum was far from sufficient for personnel who risk their lives for the country.
“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’s school fees, shelter, and what have you,” he said.
The minister of defense, Christopher Musa, had said Nigerian soldiers now earn a minimum monthly salary of N100,000 following a recent review of their welfare by the federal government.
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