Defence Minister Christopher Musa has disclosed that Nigerian soldiers now earn a minimum monthly salary of N100,000, up from the previous N49,000, and have access to better food rations. He made the revelation during an interview on News Central on Wednesday, July 9.
Improved Welfare but Funding Challenges
Musa, who also served as Chief of Defence Staff, acknowledged the improvement in personnel welfare but stressed that the military remains underfunded. “When they started, a soldier was collecting N49,000 monthly. We tried so hard. Now he’s collecting N100,000,” he said.
The minister addressed claims that soldiers fighting insurgents are poorly fed, referencing a social media post by critic Justice Crack that showed a soldier’s meal. According to Musa, the food was adequate, containing meat and other components, but the critic selectively removed items to misrepresent the situation. “The soldier’s food was okay. There was meat; there was all this. But he told them to pull out those things and make it look as if those things were not there,” the minister explained.
Abduction of Pupils in Oyo State
Commenting on the recent abduction of pupils in Oyo State, Musa described it as a sad event. He alleged that the kidnappers were attempting to pressure the military into releasing their detained commanders. “You know, it’s a very sad event. Unfortunately, bad things do happen. For whatever reason, they are looking for leverage because we have some of their commanders with us, and they feel taking these kids and holding them to ransom will make us release their commander,” he said.
According to the minister, the abductors have threatened to kill the children if security forces intensify rescue operations. “They are now threatening that if we come any closer, they’re going to kill all the kids,” he stated.
