Defence Minister’s N100,000 Salary Claim Sparks Outrage

Morganable Security File

The backlash comes as Bola Ahmed Tinubu convened a high-level security meeting at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, bringing together military commanders, intelligence chiefs, and senior security advisers to deliberate on the country’s escalating insecurity

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The disclosure by Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, that soldiers now earn a minimum monthly salary of N100,000 has triggered widespread criticism from both serving and retired military personnel, who described the amount as grossly inadequate in the face of Nigeria’s rising cost of living and worsening security challenges.

The controversy comes amid growing concerns over troop welfare, declining morale, and the Federal Government’s perceived delay in implementing a promised salary increment for members of the Armed Forces.

The minister, a former Chief of Defence Staff, made the remark during an interview on News Central, where he defended recent efforts by the government to improve soldiers’ welfare.

According to him, the minimum salary for soldiers had risen from N49,000 to N100,000 following a review by the Federal Government.

“When they started, a soldier was collecting N49,000 monthly. We tried so hard, now he’s collecting N100,000,” Musa said, while also acknowledging that the defence budget remained insufficient to meet the needs of the military.

However, the announcement has been met with strong backlash, particularly from veterans who argue that the increment, even if accurate, falls far short of addressing the economic realities facing personnel.

Retired Soldiers Condemn 100, 000 Salary Claim

A retired soldier, Abdul Isiak,who spoke with Punch news described the pay as inadequate and incapable of sustaining even basic living expenses.

“It is not enough at all. What is N100,000 with the current situation of the country? It can’t get to anywhere. They should do better. If they pay more, they would put more effort into what they are doing,” he said.

Another retired sergeant, Zaki Williams, expressed skepticism over the minister’s claim, questioning whether soldiers actually receive the stated amount.

“I doubt if they are paying up to that amount now; it is a lie,” he said. “Even at that, that money is too ridiculous. Any government paying a soldier N100,000 is not a serious one. If you know what they are passing through, you would not offer them such money.”

Williams added that despite repeated complaints from personnel and veterans, the government had yet to take decisive steps to significantly improve military welfare.

President Tinubu Convene Security Meeting

The backlash comes as Bola Ahmed Tinubu convened a high-level security meeting at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, bringing together military commanders, intelligence chiefs, and senior security advisers to deliberate on the country’s escalating insecurity.

Among those present was the President’s Special Adviser on Homeland Security, Major General Adeyinka Famadewa (retd.), appointed in May.

While the meeting focused on addressing security threats across the country, critics argue that improving the welfare of troops should be central to any meaningful solution.

Serving military personnel, who spoke on condition of anonymity to Punch News due to restrictions on public commentary, echoed the concerns raised by veterans, urging the Federal Government to urgently implement the salary increase reportedly promised by the President in March.

One officer said the delay in implementing the new salary structure had worsened the financial strain on personnel and their families.

“The Federal Government should immediately implement the new salary structure it promised members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria if it is serious about restoring morale and strengthening the nation’s military,” the officer said.

“Today, many personnel are living in conditions that do not reflect the enormous sacrifices they make in defence of the country.”

According to the source, soldiers routinely face life-threatening situations in the line of duty but receive compensation that does not match the risks involved.

“Members of the Armed Forces risk their lives to safeguard Nigeria’s sovereignty and protect its citizens. Yet, their current remuneration falls far short of compensating for the dangers, hardships, and sacrifices inherent in military service,” the officer added.

The personnel warned that the disparity between risk and reward had contributed to declining morale within the ranks, with some soldiers reportedly going absent without official leave (AWOL) due to economic hardship.

“This disparity has contributed to declining morale and an increasing number of personnel going AWOL, as many struggle to cope with the harsh economic realities facing them and their families,” the source said.

Another serving member of the Armed Forces pointed to the broader implications of inadequate welfare on recruitment and retention, noting that fewer Nigerians are willing to enlist under current conditions.

“The impact is also evident in recruitment. Increasingly, many Nigerians are reluctant to enlist because military service is no longer seen as financially rewarding,” the source said.

“When those who dedicate their lives to defending the nation continue to face the same economic hardships as the lowest-paid segments of society despite the extraordinary risks they bear, it becomes difficult to attract and retain the calibre of personnel the country needs.”

The personnel stressed that the government’s failure to act swiftly could have serious consequences for national security, particularly at a time when the military is grappling with multiple threats, including insurgency, banditry, and kidnapping.

“The time for decisive action is now. The Federal Government must honour its commitment by implementing the promised salary review without further delay,” the source said.

“The nation’s security depends on a motivated, well-remunerated, and professional Armed Forces. Failure to act promptly risks worsening attrition and undermining Nigeria’s ability to meet its security challenges effectively.”

Beyond the salary controversy, Musa also weighed in on broader security issues during his interview, advocating stricter penalties for crimes such as kidnapping.

He suggested that the introduction of the death penalty for kidnappers could serve as a deterrent to the growing wave of abductions across the country.

“I think we should do that. There must be deterrence. The laws are soft, and that’s why people take advantage,” he said.

Defence Minister Speaks On Kidnapped Oyo Students

The minister also commented on a recent abduction incident involving schoolchildren in Oyo State, describing it as unfortunate and alleging that the perpetrators were attempting to pressure the military into releasing detained commanders.

According to him, the kidnappers had threatened to harm the victims if security forces intensified rescue efforts.

“They are now threatening that if we come any closer, they’re going to kill all the kids,” Musa said.

In addition, he dismissed claims circulating in the public space about poor feeding conditions within the military, insisting that such allegations were misleading.

Referring to a viral incident involving a soldier, the minister claimed the situation had been misrepresented to create a false impression of inadequate welfare.

Despite these assurances, the growing chorus of criticism from both current and former personnel underscores the urgent need for comprehensive reforms in military welfare, with many insisting that improved remuneration is critical to boosting morale, enhancing operational effectiveness, and ensuring national security.