Defence Minister Christopher Musa has announced that Nigerian soldiers now earn a minimum monthly salary of ₦100,000, up from the previous ₦49,000. The revelation has sparked widespread criticism from Nigerians who argue the increase is inadequate given the country's economic realities and the dangers soldiers face.
Salary Increase Announcement
Musa made the disclosure during an interview with News Central ahead of the broadcast of its NC Exclusive programme. Speaking on the welfare package for soldiers, the minister said the government had made significant progress in improving their earnings. "When they started, a soldier was collecting ₦49,000 monthly. We tried so hard; now he's collecting ₦100,000," Musa said.
Defence Budget Not Enough
However, he acknowledged that the Nigerian military still requires more funding to effectively carry out its operations. Responding to a question on whether the current defence budget was adequate, Musa replied: "It's not enough." The minister also dismissed allegations that soldiers are poorly fed, insisting that a viral video circulating on social media misrepresented the quality of meals served to troops. According to him, the food shown in the video had been deliberately altered to create a false impression. "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," Musa said.
Public Reaction on Social Media
Following the announcement, many Nigerians took to social media to express disappointment, arguing that ₦100,000 remains too low for soldiers risking their lives to combat terrorism, banditry and other security threats. One user wrote: "No wonder kidnapping and banditry is still on this rise." Another commented: "In this economy where $1 ≈ ₦2,000, ₦100k won't even last one week—yet soldiers have families to cater for. No wonder some turn to abusing civilians and taking bribes. This is the worst administration ever. Tinubu must go."
A third user questioned the significance of the increase, writing: "Lol, are we meant to be grateful or what? ₦100k, and he is proudly announcing it? Be like say they don't know our economic situation."
Context of Insecurity
The salary increase comes as the military continues to battle insurgency, banditry, kidnapping and other security challenges across the country, with repeated calls from stakeholders for improved welfare, better equipment and increased funding for troops. Many critics argue that the raise, while a step up, does not match the risks and sacrifices soldiers make daily. The exchange rate, with one dollar trading at around ₦2,000, further diminishes the purchasing power of the new salary.
