Major General John Enenche (rtd), former Director of Defence Information, has called for a minimum monthly salary of ₦250,000 for Nigerian soldiers, describing the current pay as inadequate amid rising living costs. He argued that the new minimum of ₦100,000, recently announced by Defence Minister Gen Chris Musa (rtd), remains insufficient despite being an increase from the previous ₦49,000. Enenche made the appeal during an interview on ARISE TV, stressing that soldiers cannot engage in side businesses due to the demands of service and rely solely on their salaries.
He highlighted that Nigerian soldiers earn less than their counterparts in several African countries. According to published estimates, a private in the South African National Defence Force earns between N715,607 and N1.01 million monthly, while privates in Kenya receive between N212,908 and N747,383. Entry-level soldiers in The Gambia earn about N195,910 monthly, in Togo about N767,564, in Niger Republic around N526,962, in Benin Republic about N661,892, in Senegal approximately N547,000, and in Cameroon roughly N803,046. Enenche dismissed the argument that free accommodation, uniforms and weapons offset low wages, stating that soldiers sacrifice personal freedom and time in ways other civil servants do not.
A retired top military spokesperson is questioning the value placed on soldiers' service by proposing a salary more than double the current minimum. If the state acknowledges rising costs but pays troops less than peers in neighbouring countries, it risks undermining morale among personnel tasked with national security. The gap between official recognition and actual compensation remains wide.
Editorial note: AI-assisted opinion, not established fact. Full disclaimer →
