Reactions have continued to trail the disclosure by the Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, that Nigerian soldiers now earn a minimum monthly salary of ₦100,000, with veterans and serving personnel describing the amount as inadequate considering the risks and sacrifices involved in military service.
Some retired personnel argued that the current pay could barely cover basic needs amid the rising cost of living, while also calling on the Federal Government to fulfil its promise of a further salary review for members of the Armed Forces.
A retired soldier, Abdul Isiak, said the amount was not enough to support military personnel and their families.
“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 actually receiving the amount disclosed by the minister, describing the figure as unrealistic given the challenges faced by troops.
He said any government paying soldiers ₦100,000 monthly needed to do more to appreciate their sacrifices.
The Coordinator of the Coalition for Concerned Veterans, Abiodun Herbert-Durowaye, also criticised the amount, saying it was far below what personnel deserved.
According to him, soldiers who risk their lives to protect the country should not be placed under financial pressure.
“How can that be okay? 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,” he said.
The Minister of Defence had earlier stated that military welfare had improved significantly under the current administration, noting that soldiers’ salaries had increased from ₦49,000 to ₦100,000 monthly.
Musa made the disclosure during an interview with News Central, where he also admitted that Nigeria’s defence budget remained insufficient despite improvements in personnel welfare.
He said the government had taken steps to improve soldiers’ conditions but acknowledged that more needed to be done.
The minister also advocated tougher punishment, including the death penalty, for kidnappers, arguing that stronger deterrence was needed to combat rising insecurity.
Speaking on the recent abduction of pupils and teachers in Oyo State, Musa alleged that the kidnappers were using the victims as leverage to demand the release of detained terrorist commanders.
He said the criminals threatened to kill the captives if security forces moved closer to their location.
Meanwhile, some serving military personnel who spoke anonymously urged the government to implement the salary increase announced by President Bola Tinubu in March 2026.
One of them said improved welfare was necessary to boost morale and retain personnel within the Armed Forces.
The personnel warned that poor remuneration could affect recruitment and encourage more officers to leave the service.
“Members of the Armed Forces risk their lives to safeguard Nigeria’s sovereignty and protect citizens. Yet, their current remuneration falls short of compensating for the dangers and sacrifices involved,” the officer said.
President Tinubu had in March assured military personnel that his administration would prioritise their welfare, accommodation and other benefits.
During an interaction with Service Chiefs at the Presidential Villa, the President praised troops for their sacrifices and promised that their welfare would remain a priority.
The Defence Headquarters has yet to officially respond to the concerns raised by veterans and serving personnel.
The debate over military pay comes amid continued security challenges across the country, with troops battling terrorism, banditry and kidnapping in several regions. Security experts have repeatedly stressed that better welfare remains critical to maintaining a motivated and effective Armed Forces.
