Retired Major Muhammad Bashir Galma, a security analyst has described the Federal Government’s decision to increase the soldiers minimum salary to N100,000 as a positive development, saying it could boost the morale of troops fighting insurgency and other security threats. But he said the increase remains inadequate considering the country’s economic realities today.
In an interview, Galma said the government deserves credit for taking steps to improve soldiers’ welfare but maintained that the new salary is not commensurate with the cost of living.
“The government has made a lot of effort, we cannot say it has not. But with the current economic situation, ₦100,000 is not enough to cater for a person’s monthly needs,” he said.
Last week, the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (retd.), said the Federal Government planned to increase the minimum salary of junior military personnel to ₦100,000 from the former ₦49,000 monthly entry wage.
Although this adjustment brings their pay to almost double what it was, the Minister said that military funding is still not enough to effectively deal with today’s security challenges.
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The announcement has ignited widespread debate, with many Nigerians questioning whether the increase is commensurate with the risks soldiers face while in the line of duty.
Galma admitted soldiers receive additional allowances but maintained the salary increase alone is not sufficient. He also asked if the government had the financial muscle to sustain the new wage structure.
“While 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 borrow as the cost of everything continues to rise, we hope there is money available to implement this plan without taking on more debt. He also urged the government to review salaries of soldiers and other security personnel once again soon.
Another retired former senior military officer, who asked not to be named, said low pay was just one of many challenges facing armed forces personnel.
He said morale in the army is being hit by shortages of modern equipment and alleged unfair treatment by some senior officers.
“There are problems like lack of 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 exiting the service when they are most needed,” the retired officer said.
Public debate continues over the proposed salary increase, with many observers expressing hope that improved welfare for military personnel will strengthen national security and improve the effectiveness of the armed forces.
