They accused President Bola Tinubu of failing to fulfill a promised salary increment made nearly four months ago. Concerns over the sufficiency of the salary were voiced by retired soldiers, with one, Abdul Isiak, pointing out that the pay cannot sufficiently meet living costs, and another, Zaki Williams, questioning the accuracy of the reported salary amount. Williams stated that any government offering such a pay is “not serious,” outlining the hardships faced by troops.

The Coordinator of the Coalition for Concerned Veterans, Abiodun Herbert-Durowaye, echoed these sentiments, arguing that the salary falls far short of what is necessary for those risking their lives. Musa, speaking on a News Central interview, acknowledged the low starting salaries in the past—stating that soldiers previously earned only N49,000—yet insisted that the current salary represents an improvement, albeit one that is still inadequate. He noted that the military remains underfunded despite advances in personnel welfare, stating that the defense budget is insufficient.

Musa also highlighted the need for harsher penalties for kidnappers, linking the recent abduction of schoolchildren in Oyo State to attempts by criminals to force military action in releasing detained commanders. He dismissed claims of poor military food quality, attributing negative perceptions to isolated incidents rather than systemic issues.

Personnel within the Armed Forces urged the government to act swiftly on the long-promised salary adjustments, emphasizing that the current remuneration fails to reflect the dangers and sacrifices associated with military service. This ongoing disparity is linked to a decline in morale and challenges in recruitment, as potential enlistees perceive military life as unattractive given the financial burdens faced.

Compelled by harsh economic realities, serving personnel highlighted that many struggle to provide for their families, calling for immediate implementation of the intended salary reforms. They assert that the nation’s security hinges on a motivated and adequately compensated military, and failure to act could worsen attrition rates and undermine security effectiveness in Nigeria. One soldier directly appealed to President Tinubu to translate promises into actionable change, especially in light of the rising cost of living affecting military families.