Retired officers welcome pay increase but warn inflation, poor equipment and funding concerns could undermine troop morale
Retired military officers have welcomed the Federal Government’s decision to increase the minimum salary of junior military personnel to ₦100,000 but insist the new wage remains insufficient to meet the economic realities facing soldiers.
They argue that while the pay rise is a step in the right direction, it falls short of addressing the broader welfare and operational challenges confronting troops battling insurgency, banditry and other security threats across the country.
Last week, the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (retd.), announced plans by the Federal Government to raise the minimum monthly salary of junior military personnel from ₦49,000 to ₦100,000.
The minister, however, acknowledged that funding for the armed forces remains inadequate to effectively tackle Nigeria’s growing security challenges.
The announcement has since sparked widespread debate, with many Nigerians questioning whether the proposed salary reflects the risks and sacrifices associated with military service.
‘Good Step, But Not Enough’
A security analyst and retired Major, Muhammad Bashir Galma, described the salary increase as a commendable effort by the government to improve the welfare of military personnel and boost the morale of troops.
Speaking in an interview, Galma said the initiative deserves recognition but argued that the new salary remains inadequate in view of the country’s rising cost of living.
“We cannot say the government has not made an effort. But when you consider the current economic situation, ₦100,000 is not enough to meet a person’s monthly needs,” he said.
According to him, although soldiers receive additional allowances, the proposed salary alone cannot adequately cater to their financial obligations.
Galma also questioned the Federal Government’s capacity to sustain the new wage structure amid growing fiscal pressures.
“Although there are other allowances paid to soldiers, ₦100,000 is still not enough. The bigger question is whether the government has the funds to implement this policy. We have seen the government resort to borrowing as the cost of everything continues to rise. We hope the money is available to implement this plan without taking on more debt.
“We also call on the government to review the salaries of soldiers and other security personnel again in the near future,” he added.
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Another retired senior military officer, who requested anonymity, said poor remuneration represents only one aspect of the challenges facing personnel in the armed forces.
According to him, inadequate modern equipment and alleged unfair treatment in the payment of entitlements by some senior officers continue to weaken morale within the military.
“There are problems such as inadequate modern equipment and unfair treatment in the payment of entitlements by some senior officers. Unless these issues are addressed, there is still a long way to go. That is why you see experienced soldiers leaving the service at a time when they are needed most,” the retired officer said.
The comments underscore growing concerns that improving soldiers’ welfare requires more than salary adjustments.
While stakeholders have welcomed the proposed pay increase, retired officers insist that better funding, improved operational equipment, prompt payment of entitlements and periodic salary reviews are essential to strengthen morale, improve retention of experienced personnel and enhance the military’s effectiveness in addressing Nigeria’s security challenges.
Public debate over the proposed salary increase continues, with many observers expressing hope that a comprehensive welfare package for military personnel will translate into improved national security and a more motivated fighting force.
Esther Ososanya is an investigative journalist with Pinnacle Daily, reporting across health, business, environment, metro, Fct and crime. Known for her bold, empathetic storytelling, she uncovers hidden truths, challenges broken systems, and gives voice to overlooked Nigerians. Her work drives national conversations and demands accountability one powerful story at a time.