Nigeria’s Soldiers Deserve More Than ₦100,000: Investing in Those Who Defend Our Nation

By Francis A. Beckley

The announcement by Nigeria’s Minister of Defence that the minimum monthly salary of Nigerian soldiers has been increased to ₦100,000 has been received with appreciation across the country.

It signals the Federal Government’s recognition that the welfare of members of the Armed Forces deserves urgent attention.

Indeed, every patriotic Nigerian should commend every sincere effort to improve the lives of the courageous men and women who daily put themselves in harm’s way to defend our territorial integrity and preserve our democracy.

However, while the increase is welcome, it should also provoke a broader national conversation: Can a nation facing one of Africa’s most complex security challenges afford to undercompensate those who protect it?

At the prevailing exchange rate, ₦100,000 is approximately US$73 per month.

When viewed in isolation, the figure may appear meaningful. But when placed beside military salaries in comparable countries, a different picture emerges.

In South Africa, entry-level military personnel earn the equivalent of US$700–US$1,000 monthly.

In Ghana, military salaries average between US$500 and US$700,

while Kenya pays approximately US$350–US$600 each month.

Outside Africa, the gap widens considerably.

An entry-level soldier in the United States earns approximately US$2,600–US$3,100 monthly before additional allowances.

The United Kingdom pays about US$2,700–US$3,000,

while India pays approximately US$350–US$500.

*This comparison is not intended to suggest that Nigeria should immediately match the salaries of wealthier economies*. *Such comparisons must always reflect differences in economic capacity, national income, and fiscal realities.*

Nevertheless, one undeniable fact remains: Nigeria’s soldiers perform duties that are no less dangerous than those of their counterparts anywhere in the world.

Every day, Nigerian soldiers confront terrorists in the North-East, bandits in the North-West, kidnappers across several states, oil thieves in the Niger Delta, violent criminal groups in the South-East, and transnational crimes along our borders.

Many spend months in forests, deserts, creeks, and remote operational bases under harsh weather conditions, separated from their families and exposed to constant danger.

Some return with permanent disabilities.

Some return emotionally scarred.

Many never return at all.

For these heroes, military service is not merely employment—it is the ultimate sacrifice in service to their nation.

This is why military welfare should never be viewed as a routine personnel expense. It is one of the most strategic investments any government can make.

History consistently demonstrates that nations with highly motivated and adequately compensated armed forces enjoy stronger operational effectiveness, improved discipline, higher morale, lower attrition, and greater public confidence in national security institutions.

The welfare of soldiers extends beyond monthly salaries.

Quality barracks, affordable housing, comprehensive healthcare, life insurance, hazard allowances, modern operational equipment, educational support for soldiers’ children, psychological care, and dignified retirement packages are equally essential.

A soldier who is worried about unpaid medical bills, inadequate accommodation, or the welfare of his family cannot be expected to perform at maximum effectiveness under life-threatening conditions.

The recent salary increase should therefore be viewed as the beginning—not the conclusion—of comprehensive military welfare reform.

As Nigeria continues to implement economic reforms, stabilise public finances, and expand government revenues, there should be a deliberate roadmap for progressively improving the remuneration and welfare of military personnel.

This is not simply about rewarding service.

It is about strengthening national security.

It is about attracting the best young Nigerians into military service.

It is about retaining experienced personnel.

It is about building one of Africa’s most professional armed forces.

Above all, it is about demonstrating that Nigeria genuinely values those who stand between millions of citizens and the forces of terror.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has repeatedly affirmed that national security remains one of the cardinal priorities of his administration. Translating that commitment into sustained improvements in soldiers’ welfare would not only enhance operational effectiveness but also leave a lasting legacy in the history of Nigeria’s Armed Forces.

The Nigerian soldier has never failed the nation.

From peacekeeping missions across Africa to internal security operations at home, our armed forces have continued to demonstrate exceptional courage, professionalism, and patriotism despite enormous challenges.

They have earned our admiration.

They deserve our gratitude.

More importantly, they deserve compensation and welfare that reflect the value of their sacrifice.

A nation is only as secure as those who defend it.

If Nigeria truly desires lasting peace, stronger national unity, economic prosperity, and sustainable development, then investing in the welfare of its soldiers should not be seen as a cost.

It should be recognised as one of the wisest investments in the future of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

By
Pastor Bayo Beckley
FCa, FCIB, MSc