Some Nigerian Army personnel have raised fresh concerns over what they describe as unfair salary disparities affecting newly promoted soldiers, accusing military authorities of neglect and warning that discontent within the ranks is reaching a dangerous level.
In an open letter addressed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and shared with SaharaReporters, the aggrieved soldiers alleged corruption and extortion among top military officers. They appealed to the President to urgently investigate issues affecting the welfare of rank-and-file personnel, warning that failure to act could trigger unrest within the Army.
The soldiers expressed frustration over what they described as insignificant salary increases following promotions, saying the adjustments do not reflect the harsh economic realities facing Nigerians. According to them, the increments range between ₦2,000 and ₦15,000, even after years of service.
They provided a breakdown of the increases, stating that Army Warrant Officers received ₦3,000, Warrant Officers ₦4,000, Staff Sergeants ₦15,000, Sergeants ₦4,000, Corporals ₦8,000, and Lance Corporals ₦2,000. The soldiers described the figures as insulting, especially considering that promotions typically come after five years of demanding service.
The letter referenced the Federal Government’s approval of a 25–35 per cent salary increase for armed forces personnel effective January 1, 2024. The soldiers argued that the implementation within the Army does not reflect this approval and called for a comprehensive review of salaries and allowances.
They also complained about the poor implementation of the ₦100,000 scarce skills allowance, which they claimed has not been fully paid since 2017, despite budgetary provisions for the military.
Expressing deep frustration, the soldiers questioned how years of sacrifice could result in such minimal financial improvement, warning that continued silence from authorities could push some personnel toward lawlessness.
They further compared their situation with that of their counterparts in the Navy and Air Force, where salary increases were reportedly more substantial. According to them, newly promoted personnel in those services receive significantly higher increments, with figures ranging from ₦20,000 to ₦75,000 depending on rank.
The soldiers lamented that poor pay has forced many into debt, creating a cycle of loans and financial hardship that continues to worsen morale within the Army. They urged the Federal Government to act swiftly, warning that neglecting the welfare of soldiers poses serious risks not just to the military, but to national stability as a whole.
