Tinubu turns to military welfare as Nigeria battles worsening security threats
Facing persistent attacks from insurgents, kidnappers and armed criminal groups, Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has approved a major pay package for the country’s armed forces, with lower-ranking soldiers set to receive the largest increases.
The latest intervention will see some junior personnel earn nearly twice their previous salaries, marking one of the most significant military wage adjustments in recent years.
The decision comes amid renewed efforts by the government to strengthen the military’s ability to confront multiple security crises stretching from the insurgency-hit north-east to banditry-prone regions in the north-west and communal conflicts elsewhere in the country.
Under the revised structure, privates and other lower-ranking soldiers will receive salary increases of up to 80%, while middle-ranking officers are expected to benefit from a 50% adjustment. Senior officers, including generals, will see a smaller but still substantial increase.
The pay review follows another salary enhancement introduced only weeks ago, underscoring growing concern within government over troop welfare and military readiness.
President Tinubu described the package as recognition of the sacrifices made by service personnel engaged in operations against terrorism, kidnapping and other violent crimes. He urged troops to view the move as evidence of the state’s commitment to supporting those on the frontlines of national security.
The salary increases form part of a broader military expansion programme announced by the administration. In recent weeks, the government has approved the recruitment of thousands of additional soldiers and authorised the establishment of new army divisions aimed at improving deployment capacity and operational coordination across the country.
Security remains one of the most pressing issues facing Tinubu’s government as Nigeria continues to grapple with attacks by Boko Haram, ISWAP militants, armed kidnapping syndicates and separatist groups. The challenge is expected to remain a dominant political issue as attention gradually shifts toward the 2027 general elections.
While military analysts have welcomed the salary improvements, some have raised concerns about the long-term financial implications of the policy. The revised structure is expected to significantly increase the government’s annual military wage bill.
Others argue that better pay alone will not resolve the operational difficulties facing the armed forces, pointing to the need for improved equipment, modern weapons, logistics support and enhanced welfare programmes.
Nevertheless, the government appears determined to combine personnel expansion, improved welfare and military modernisation as part of its strategy to restore security and strengthen public confidence in the country’s defence institutions.
Source: BBC
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