A retired Director of Defence Information, Major General John Enenche, has warned that Nigeria must never place soldiers in a position where they have to provide the basic tools needed to defend the country, saying a soldier “is not a mercenary” who buys weapons before going to battle.
During an interview on ARISE TV on Sunday, he used that principle to press for a minimum monthly salary of ₦250,000 for rank-and-file personnel, saying proper welfare is part of the state’s responsibility to those it sends into danger.
Read Related News
Nigerian Soldiers get pay rise from N49K to N100k Minister says
Fubara challenges ALGON to triple support for families of fallen soldiers
Nigerian Army dismisses reports of mutiny threats over salaries, allowances
His remarks follow the Federal Government‘s recent increase of soldiers’ minimum monthly salary from ₦49,000 to ₦100,000. Enenche said the latest review is still below what military personnel need to carry out their duty with dignity and without financial strain.
Soldiers serve the state, not private employers
Enenche centred his appeal on what he called the difference between a professional soldier and a mercenary.
“A soldier is somebody that has sacrificed all. You have bought his time. A soldier is not a mercenary. So how can he go and buy his gun? It’s only a mercenary that will go and buy his gun and come and fight for you,” he said.
In his view, once a citizen joins the armed forces, the responsibility for equipping and supporting that person belongs to the nation.
Enenche said soldiers surrender personal freedom in a way that few other workers do. They cannot decide when they will work, where they will serve or whether they will respond to national assignments.
He said that obligation does not end after leaving active service.
Using himself as an example, the retired general said he would still answer a national call if asked by the Chief of Defence Staff because military service carries a lifelong commitment.
Welfare backs the duty to defend Nigeria
Enenche said the same principle should guide decisions on military pay.
He proposed a minimum monthly salary of ₦250,000, saying the figure is modest when measured against the cost of feeding, transport and other daily needs.
He explained that soldiers cannot easily look for extra income because military duties demand their full attention.
“A soldier does not go to farm… where is the time to go to farm?” he said.
He noted that soldiers remain available for duty at all times and cannot treat military service like a regular office job.
Enenche also pointed to transport costs, saying even routine movement has become expensive for soldiers and their families.
He urged government to consider these realities while balancing spending in other sectors of the economy.
The retired general said any improvement should apply throughout the armed forces in line with the existing salary structure.
“I suggest and recommend, if possible, within available resources and considering other competing demands from other sectors of the economy, the soldier, the airman, the rating,” he said.
Asked if ₦250,000 should be the minimum monthly salary, he replied: “That is my recommendation, my suggestion.”
His comments follow the recent pay increase announced by the Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, who said the minimum monthly salary of Nigerian soldiers had risen from ₦49,000 to ₦100,000. The minister also said the military continues to face funding challenges.
Enenche’s main message was that a country’s duty to its soldiers goes beyond sending them on operations. If soldiers are expected to defend the nation, he said, the nation must fully shoulder the responsibility of equipping and supporting them rather than leaving them to bear burdens that belong to the state.
For More News Details, Visit New Daily Prime.
