Retired general calls for ₦250,000 minimum monthly salary for Nigerian soldiers

A former Director of Defence Information, Major General John Enenche (retd.), has called for a significant increase in the salaries of Nigerian military personnel, proposing a minimum monthly salary of ₦250,000 for soldiers to reflect the country’s current economic realities.

Speaking during a media interview, Enenche said the existing pay structure does not adequately compensate soldiers for the risks and sacrifices associated with military service, particularly amid rising inflation and the increasing cost of living.

His remarks come as discussions continue over the welfare of members of the Armed Forces. The Federal Government recently increased the minimum monthly salary for soldiers from ₦49,000 to ₦100,000, but calls for further improvements have persisted from military veterans and security analysts.

Enenche argued that a baseline salary of ₦250,000 would better enable soldiers to meet their basic needs and support their families, noting that the nature of military service leaves little room for personnel to seek additional sources of income.

“A soldier is somebody that has sacrificed all. You have bought his time. A soldier is not a mercenary,” he said. “So how can he go and buy his gun? It’s only a mercenary that will go and buy his gun and come and fight for you.”

The retired general also rejected suggestions that military accommodation and rations sufficiently offset low salaries, insisting that the demands of military service go far beyond those of most public sector jobs. According to him, soldiers remain on duty around the clock and are expected to respond whenever called upon, making improved welfare essential for maintaining morale and operational effectiveness.

Enenche’s proposal adds to the growing debate over military welfare as Nigeria continues to grapple with multiple security challenges, including insurgency, banditry and kidnapping. Analysts have argued that improved remuneration and welfare packages could boost the motivation and effectiveness of personnel deployed to combat these threats.

While the Federal Government has yet to respond to the latest proposal, stakeholders continue to urge authorities to prioritize better pay, improved living conditions and enhanced support for members of the armed forces.