Nigerian soldiers have accused the Nigerian Army authorities of failing to implement a salary increment approved by President Bola Tinubu.
In March 2026, Tinubu announced the approval of a salary increment for military personnel during an interfaith breaking of fast with service chiefs at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
Three months later, some soldiers who spoke to SaharaReporters on condition of anonymity for fear of punishment claimed that the salary increment structure had yet to be implemented.
The personnel also accused the service chiefs of corruption and extortion.
They further threatened to resort to unlawful actions if the Nigerian Army fails to address their welfare concerns.
The soldiers claimed that the current government under Tinubu, and previous ones, have impoverished those in the lower cadre.
They stated that, to meet their basic financial needs, they have had to sell their cars, televisions, houses, and other possessions.
“We, soldiers of the Nigerian Army, are calling on International Human Rights Watch and the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights to come to the rescue of Nigerian soldiers who have given their lives to defend the territorial integrity of Nigeria and protect its citizens from tyrannical government officials and generals,” one of the soldiers told SaharaReporters.
“The so-called ‘other ranks,’ as they are disparagingly referred to in the Nigerian Army, are seeking international intervention to save their lives. The generals have turned to selling off the lives of soldiers for personal gain. President Bola Tinubu approved new salaries for the betterment of soldiers’ lives.
“Unfortunately, the army generals have refused to comply with the President’s directives to date, and nothing has happened. Because of this, soldiers’ morale is already low. There is no hope left for soldiers. Even the small scarce-skills allowances, which are supposed to be paid with monthly salaries are now being diverted for their personal use.”
“There is no hope for soldiers. All Nigerian Army soldiers have lost confidence in their generals due to a lack of integrity and transparency in handling their welfare. We are calling on international human rights organizations to intervene,” the soldier added.
Another soldier stated that the 2026 promotion list was released by Army Headquarters last week, but despite waiting five years, many personnel were still uncertain of promotion because of the limited number of slots allocated to units and formations. He described the situation as unfortunate.
The soldier said, “Despite our hard work and dedication to duty, promotion has become a privilege, not a right. Honestly, I would not even allow my relatives to join the Nigerian Army, even as officers.
“How can a person remain on one rank for six to seven years before being promoted to the next rank? It is the most regrettable job I have ever seen in my life. May Almighty God visit their families with thunder during this rainy season, one after another, these bunch of thieves calling themselves generals.
“Finally, we are calling on Mr. President to review the current operational allowance. The daily rate is ₦1,000, which amounts to ₦30,000 monthly. It should be increased to ₦1,500 daily, or ₦45,000 monthly. This rate has been unchanged for over ten years. Soldiers are human beings like every other citizen.”
Lamenting the situation, another soldier said, “There is a serious problem in my organization. Soldiers are grumbling and complaining on various platforms about the promised salary increment by the current president and the Chief of Army Staff, but it has still not been implemented.
“For over four months, there has been nothing to show in reality. Our non-regular allowances are also paid late since this COAS resumed duty. We have completely lost confidence in our superiors in the system.”
“Soldiers are grumbling and complaining on various platforms about the promised salary increment by the current president and the Chief of Army Staff, but it has still not been implemented. For over four months, there has been nothing to show in reality. Our non-regular allowances are also paid late since this COAS resumed duty. We have completely lost confidence in our superiors in the system,” the soldier added.
Many Nigerians have long called for better welfare for soldiers who risk their lives daily on the front lines.
(SaharaReporters)