Soldiers, Veterans Describe ₦100,000 Monthly Pay as Inadequate Amid Rising Cost of Living
By Solomon Odeniyi and Stephen Angbulu
President Bola Tinubu on Thursday held a closed-door security meeting with top military commanders, intelligence chiefs and senior security advisers at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, amid growing concerns over the welfare of members of the Armed Forces.
The meeting came as reactions continued to trail the disclosure by the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, that the minimum monthly salary for Nigerian soldiers now stands at ₦100,000 following a recent review by the Federal Government.
Several serving and retired military personnel described the amount as inadequate, citing the country’s rising cost of living and the risks associated with military service. They also urged the Federal Government to implement the salary increase President Tinubu promised in March 2026.
A retired soldier, Abdul Isiak, said the current salary could not adequately meet the needs of personnel and their families, stressing that improved welfare would enhance troop morale and operational effectiveness.
Another retired sergeant, Zaki Williams, questioned whether the reported salary was being fully implemented, insisting that troops deserved better remuneration considering the sacrifices they make in defending the country.
The Coordinator of the Coalition for Concerned Veterans, Abiodun Herbert-Durowaye, also described the pay as insufficient, arguing that soldiers who risk their lives daily should receive salaries that reflect prevailing economic realities.
Serving military personnel, who spoke anonymously, appealed to President Tinubu to fulfil his promise of implementing a new salary structure, warning that poor welfare has affected morale, increased cases of personnel leaving service without authorisation, and made military recruitment less attractive.
President Tinubu had, on March 7, 2026, announced plans to improve the welfare, salaries and accommodation of military personnel during an interfaith breaking of fast with Service Chiefs at the Presidential Villa.
Meanwhile, Thursday’s security meeting brought together National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, Minister of Defence Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, Chief of Defence Staff General Olufemi Oluyede, Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Waidi Isa, Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, intelligence chiefs and other senior security officials.
Although the Presidency had not released details of the discussions as of the time of filing this report, sources said the meeting reviewed the country’s security situation and ongoing military operations across various theatres.
The meeting followed recent military operations in Zamfara, Katsina and the North-East, where security forces reported successes against terrorists and bandits.
As of the time of filing this report, the Presidency had not issued an official statement on the outcome of the security meeting.
IBN News will continue to monitor developments and provide updates as more information becomes available.
