President Bola Tinubu‘s decision to raise the salaries of Nigeria’s military personnel marks one of the administration’s most significant welfare interventions. The increase acknowledges the sacrifices of thousands of soldiers confronting terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other security threats across the country.
However, better salaries alone will not transform Nigeria’s security landscape. Soldiers need modern equipment, effective leadership, improved welfare and an economy that protects the value of their earnings. Without these complementary reforms, the latest salary review could offer only temporary relief.
A long-overdue reward for those on the frontline
The Federal Government announced salary increases ranging from 30 to 80 per cent for members of the Armed Forces. Soldiers will receive the highest increase of 80 per cent, while warrant officers through colonels will earn 50 per cent more. Senior officers from brigadier general upward will receive a 30 per cent adjustment.
The revised structure will reportedly raise the military’s annual wage bill from about ₦664 billion to ₦960 billion. Although this places additional pressure on government finances, many Nigerians believe the adjustment reflects the realities facing troops who operate in dangerous conditions every day.
Better pay should match rising living costs
The salary review follows an earlier increase that raised the minimum military salary to ₦100,000. Even then, many observers argued that inflation had already eroded the value of the increase.
Food prices, housing, transportation, healthcare and education costs have continued to rise. Consequently, many soldiers still struggle to support their families despite serving in one of the country’s most demanding professions. Periodic salary reviews should therefore become part of a broader policy that reflects prevailing economic conditions.
Welfare extends beyond monthly salaries
Competitive salaries improve morale, but they represent only one aspect of military welfare. Personnel also require quality accommodation, reliable healthcare, insurance, psychological support and timely benefits for serving members and their families.
In addition, the government must ensure that military personnel receive adequate operational allowances without unnecessary delays. These measures strengthen confidence within the ranks and reinforce the country’s commitment to those risking their lives for national security.
Modern equipment remains essential
No salary increase can replace the need for modern weapons, intelligence systems and operational logistics. Nigerian troops continue to battle insurgents, bandits and other armed groups that have repeatedly demonstrated sophisticated tactics.
Therefore, defence spending should continue to prioritise surveillance technology, communication systems, mobility, air support and protective equipment. Well-trained and well-equipped soldiers stand a better chance of achieving lasting success than troops who rely solely on courage.
Accountability must accompany defence spending
Nigeria continues to allocate substantial resources to defence each year. However, allegations of corruption involving military procurement have repeatedly raised concerns about whether frontline personnel receive the support they need.
Greater transparency in procurement, stronger oversight and stricter accountability will help ensure that funds meant for troop welfare and military equipment reach their intended purpose. Public confidence also improves when citizens see measurable results from defence investments.
Stronger recruitment and lasting reforms
The approval for additional military recruitment offers an opportunity to strengthen Nigeria’s security capacity. However, recruitment must remain transparent, merit-based and subject to rigorous background checks to prevent infiltration by criminal or extremist elements.
At the same time, authorities should redeploy soldiers performing non-military assignments back to operational duties where their skills are most valuable. Continuous training, professional development and career progression will also improve operational readiness.
Nigeria must build a military that can meet modern threats
The latest military salary increase deserves recognition because it addresses a longstanding welfare concern. It sends an important signal that the country values those who defend its territorial integrity and protect citizens from growing security threats.
Nevertheless, sustainable security demands more than higher pay. Nigeria must build an Armed Forces that is properly funded, professionally managed, adequately equipped and consistently supported by sound economic policies. Only then will the salary increase become part of a broader reform capable of delivering the secure nation Nigerians expect.
Read also: Military salaries hit ₦924bn as Tinubu approves pay rise
