Retired Air Vice Marshal Olatokunbo Adesanya, former Director of Public Relations for the Nigerian Air Force, has welcomed the Federal Government's salary increase for military personnel but emphasized that welfare reforms must extend beyond pay. Speaking on ARISE News on Wednesday, Adesanya described President Bola Tinubu's new salary structure, effective September 1, 2026, as a morale booster and a step toward reducing corruption and improving retention in the armed forces. He stressed, however, that salaries alone are insufficient and called for comprehensive improvements in healthcare, education for service members' children, and housing during and after service.
Adesanya highlighted the poor state of military hospitals, noting that broken MRI and CT scan machines undermine medical care for personnel. He recalled how school fees pressures affected troops during peacekeeping missions in Liberia and Sierra Leone, urging better educational support for military families. Post-service housing, he said, remains a major concern for serving personnel, and the government should establish sustainable accommodation schemes. While commending the phased implementation of the salary review to avoid arrears, Adesanya expressed confidence that the move signals the start of broader reforms. He also advocated for increased troop recruitment to counter insurgency and banditry, arguing that more personnel are essential for national security and territorial defense.
Olatokunbo Adesanya acknowledges the salary increase but points out that critical welfare gaps in healthcare, education and housing remain unaddressed. If military families still face broken hospital equipment and unaffordable school fees, the broader promise of welfare reform risks falling short for those who serve.
Editorial note: AI-assisted opinion, not established fact. Full disclaimer →
