Nigeria's junior soldiers will receive a pay increase of up to 80%, their second salary increase in a month, as President Bola Tinubu seeks to boost morale and curb violence from various armed groups. The monthly wages for privates, the lowest-ranking soldiers, will rise from $73 to $132 from September, following a previous increase from $36 in July. This move is part of Tinubu's efforts to address the nation's enormous security threats, including Islamist militants, separatists, and criminal kidnap gangs.
The president's decision comes as Nigeria's security forces struggle to contain multiple threats, with Islamist insurgents, including Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province, staging attacks in the north-east, and heavily armed criminal gangs operating across parts of the north-west and north-central areas. Other security challenges include separatist unrest in the south-east and deadly clashes over land between farmers and herders. Tinubu praised the courage and sacrifices of members of the armed forces, saying, "The men and women who help to keep us safe in our homes must be supported and appreciated in the course of their duties to our nation."
Military expert Bashir Galma, a retired major general, welcomed the salary increase, saying, "This is what we have been calling for a long time." However, he expressed concern that future administrations might struggle to sustain such funding, given the significant jump in the military's annual salary bill from $484m to $678m. Galma also argued that other security agencies should receive similar pay reviews, stressing that "keeping the country safe is a joint effort." He emphasized the need to address broader welfare issues, including uniforms, boots, and new rifles to tackle the ongoing crises.
Tinubu has said his administration will continue to prioritize troop welfare and modernize the armed forces with the necessary weapons and technology to tackle security threats. The recent reforms include the creation of four new army divisions, bringing the total to 12 divisions spread across the country, to ensure better coordination, intelligence sharing, and faster response times. As Nigeria approaches the 2027 elections, the government's ability to address the nation's security challenges will be a major political issue.
The salary increase is seen as a significant step towards improving the welfare of Nigeria's military personnel, but its impact on the nation's security threats remains to be seen. With the country facing multiple challenges, including Islamist militancy, separatist unrest, and criminal activity, the government will need to sustain its efforts to boost morale and capacity within the security forces. As Galma noted, "keeping the country safe is a joint effort," and the government will need to work with all security agencies to address the complex security challenges facing Nigeria.
