Retired military personnel have criticised the Federal Government’s reported increase in soldiers’ minimum monthly salary to ₦100,000, describing the amount as inadequate in the face of the country’s rising cost of living.
The veterans who spoke with Punch argued that improved remuneration would boost morale and encourage serving personnel to put more effort into protecting the country.
Their reactions followed a disclosure by the Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, that the Federal Government had reviewed soldiers’ salaries, raising the minimum monthly pay from ₦49,000 to ₦100,000.
Musa, a former Chief of Defence Staff, made the disclosure during an interview with News Central on Wednesday ahead of the programme’s broadcast on Friday.
A retired soldier, Abdul Isiak, said the revised salary was insufficient to meet the basic needs of military personnel and their families.
He maintained that the government must improve the welfare of troops if it expects better performance from them.
“It is not enough at all. What is ₦100,000 in 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,” Isiak said.
A retired sergeant, Zaki Williams, also expressed doubt over the minister’s claim that the minimum salary of soldiers had risen to ₦100,000.
“I doubt if they are paying up to that amount now. It is a lie,” he said.
Williams described the figure as too low, considering the risks, hardship and difficult working conditions troops face.
“Even at that, that money is too ridiculous. Any government paying a soldier ₦100,000 is not a serious one. If you know what they are passing through, you would not offer them such money.
“We have been crying but no help. The government has tried, but they can do better,” he added.
