The Federal Government has increased the minimum monthly salary of Nigerian soldiers from ₦49,000 to ₦100,000, a move aimed at improving troop welfare but one that has also triggered widespread debate over whether the raise is sufficient given the country’s economic realities.
Minister of Defence Christopher Musa announced the increase during an interview with News Central, saying the Tinubu administration had worked to improve soldiers’ welfare despite acknowledging that the military remains underfunded. He said the pay review nearly doubled the previous minimum salary but admitted, “It’s not enough.”
The announcement comes as Nigerian troops continue operations against insurgents, terrorists and bandits across several regions of the country. Musa also dismissed recent allegations that soldiers are poorly fed, insisting that viral videos circulating online gave a misleading picture of conditions in the barracks.
However, the salary increase has generated mixed reactions on social media. While many welcomed the government’s effort to improve military welfare, others argued that ₦100,000 a month remains inadequate for personnel risking their lives daily amid rising inflation and the high cost of living. Critics also drew comparisons with the significantly higher salaries and allowances received by senior public office holders, saying frontline troops deserve greater financial support.
Security analysts and military veterans have echoed calls for broader welfare reforms, arguing that better pay should be accompanied by improved equipment, housing, healthcare, insurance and operational funding to boost morale and strengthen the fight against insecurity. The debate has intensified following President Bola Tinubu’s recent meeting with service chiefs to review Nigeria’s security challenges.
