Retired Military Officers Demand ₦250,000 Minimum Monthly Salary for Nigerian Soldiers Amid Rising Cost of Living.
A group of retired Nigerian military officers has called for the immediate implementation of a minimum monthly salary of ₦250,000 for serving soldiers, arguing that the proposed wage would better reflect the country’s economic realities and the risks associated with military service.
The demand was made during a retreat attended by more than 70 military veterans in Abuja. The retired officers reportedly argued that the welfare of serving personnel should be strengthened in view of the sacrifices made by Nigerian troops in the fight against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other security threats.
The call comes amid renewed debate over military remuneration. Nigeria’s Defence Minister, Christopher Musa, recently disclosed that the minimum monthly salary for soldiers had risen to ₦100,000, up from ₦49,000, although he acknowledged that the amount remains inadequate in the face of prevailing economic pressures.
The veterans, however, maintain that the ₦250,000 minimum wage should be implemented without further delay. Reports indicate that the group presented documentary evidence to senior military representatives and urged authorities to act on what they described as an approved salary review for military personnel.
The demand highlights wider concerns about the welfare of Nigeria’s armed forces, whose personnel continue to operate in challenging environments across the country. Beyond salary increases, debates around military welfare have increasingly focused on improved housing, healthcare, insurance, equipment, pensions and support for families of personnel killed in service.
While the Federal Government has taken steps to improve military pay and welfare, the latest demand underscores calls for further action to ensure that compensation keeps pace with inflation and the growing responsibilities placed on Nigeria’s security forces.
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