‘I Personally Need Increment, I Have Children, Others To Cater For’ – Serving Soldier Charges Tinubu

Serving military personnel have urged the Federal Government to urgently implement the new salary structure announced by President Bola Tinubu in March, warning that further delay could weaken morale and worsen attrition within the Armed Forces.

The personnel, who spoke on condition of anonymity with Punch because they were not authorised to address the media, said the government must fulfil its commitment if it was serious about improving troops’ welfare and strengthening the military.

One of the officers said many military personnel were living under conditions that did not reflect the risks and sacrifices associated with defending the country.

The officer said, “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.

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

The officer argued that members of the Armed Forces put their lives at risk daily to defend Nigeria’s sovereignty and protect its citizens but remained poorly compensated.

“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 source said.

According to the personnel, the gap between the sacrifices demanded from troops and their remuneration had contributed to low morale and an increase in the number of officers and soldiers abandoning their duties without permission.

“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 officer added.

Another serving member of personnel said that inadequate pay and welfare packages had also made military service less attractive to prospective recruits.

“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.

The personnel warned that the Armed Forces could struggle to attract and retain competent personnel if those defending the country continued to face severe economic hardship.

“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 source added.

The personnel called on the Federal Government to implement the salary review without further delay, saying national security depended on a motivated and adequately compensated military.

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

“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,” the source said.

Another officer appealed directly to Tinubu to translate the salary promise into action, saying many military families were struggling with the rising cost of living.

The personnel said, “During Iftar, the President raised our hopes, and we were very happy. He should please make it a reality so that everybody will be happy.

“Things are quite expensive, which has made our current salaries not enough. I personally need the increment as I speak. I have children and dependants to cater for.”