Some Nigerian Army personnel have raised concerns over what they described as poor salaries and the non-payment of allowances, warning that discontent among the rank and file could escalate if their grievances are not addressed.
In an open letter to President Bola Tinubu shared with SaharaReporters, the soldiers accused some service chiefs of corruption and extortion and called for an urgent investigation into issues affecting junior officers and enlisted personnel. They complained of disparities in salary increments following promotions, describing the increases as minimal and inadequate in the face of prevailing economic conditions.
According to the letter, salary increases for newly promoted personnel range between ₦2,000 and ₦15,000. The soldiers listed examples showing that Army Warrant Officers reportedly received an additional ₦3,000, Warrant Officers ₦4,000, Staff Sergeants ₦15,000, Sergeants ₦4,000, Corporals ₦8,000, and Lance Corporals ₦2,000.
The aggrieved personnel noted that the Federal Government had approved a 25 to 35 per cent salary increase for armed forces personnel effective January 1, 2024, but said the policy had not been fairly implemented within the Army. They added that promotions often come after five years of service, making the increments insufficient compensation for years of service under difficult conditions.
They also alleged that certain allowances, including the ₦100,000 scarce skills allowance, have not been fully implemented since 2017. The soldiers expressed frustration over what they described as government silence on their complaints.
Comparing their situation with other arms of the military, the soldiers claimed that personnel in the Navy and Air Force receive higher increments upon promotion. They said allowances for comparable ranks in those services range from ₦20,000 to ₦75,000, while the highest increment reported in the Army was ₦15,000.
The soldiers warned that continued neglect of their welfare could lead to unrest, stating that poor pay has forced many personnel into multiple loans and a cycle of debt. They urged the Federal Government to urgently review Army salaries and allowances to prevent further deterioration of morale among troops.
