Ex-NAF spokesman says N100k military pay inadequate, cites welfare gaps
Ex-NAF spokesman Group Captain Sadeeq Shehu (rtd) told Arise Television that Nigerian military personnel are underpaid, stating N100,000 monthly salary is insufficient. Speaking Monday, he argued motivation requires more than salary - including regular rotation (max 10-12 months deployment), medical evacuation access, and equipment provision without personal cost. He cited a soldier serving 4 years uninterrupted as unacceptable.
This matters because troop welfare directly affects national security against insurgency and banditry. When soldiers lack proper rest, medical care, or equipment, operational effectiveness suffers. Taxpayers fund the military, so adequate compensation impacts national security outcomes. The North-East and bandit-affected regions specifically rely on motivated troops.
Shehu emphasized that true motivation includes knowing injured comrades get evacuated to top facilities free of charge, and soldiers don't need to buy uniforms or gear from their pay. With inflation eroding purchasing power, is N100,000 enough to sustain troop morale and effectiveness in Nigeria's security challenges?