Tinubu Meets Security Chiefs Amid Backlash Over Soldiers’ Salary

President Bola Tinubu on Thursday convened a security meeting with top military and intelligence officials at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, amid growing reactions to the disclosure by the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (retd.), that Nigerian soldiers now earn a minimum monthly salary of N100,000.

 

The closed-door meeting, which lasted over two hours, was attended by the nation’s security chiefs, including the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa; Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede; Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Isa; and Chief of Defence Intelligence, Lieutenant General Emmanuel Undiandeye.

 

Others present were the Director-General of the Department of State Services, Adeola Ajayi; Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency, Mohammed Mohammed; Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu; and Special Adviser to the President on Homeland Security, Major General Adeyinka Famadewa (retd.).

 

Sources familiar with the meeting said the discussions focused on a broad review of the security situation across the country and ongoing military operations.

 

The meeting came amid criticism from veterans and serving military personnel over the N100,000 minimum salary figure announced by the Defence Minister.

 

Musa had, during an interview on News Central, said the government had increased soldiers’ monthly pay from N49,000 to N100,000 as part of efforts to improve military welfare.

 

“When they started, a soldier was collecting N49,000 monthly. We tried so hard, now he’s collecting N100,000,” the former Chief of Defence Staff said.

 

However, some veterans described the amount as inadequate, arguing that it does not reflect the risks and sacrifices associated with military service.

 

A retired soldier, Abdul Isiak, said the salary was insufficient considering the current economic realities.

 

“It is not enough at all. What is N100,000 with the current situation of the country? They should do better. If they pay more, they would put more effort into what they are doing,” he said.

 

Another retired sergeant, Zaki Williams, questioned the accuracy of the figure, saying the amount was too low for personnel defending the country.

 

The Coordinator of the Coalition for Concerned Veterans, Abiodun Herbert-Durowaye, also criticised the salary, describing it as inadequate for those risking their lives for national security.

 

“How can that be okay? How can that be sufficient for someone who’s putting his life on the line for the country?” he asked.

 

Some serving personnel, who spoke anonymously, urged the Federal Government to implement the salary increase earlier promised by President Tinubu in March.

 

One of the officers said improved welfare was necessary to boost morale and strengthen the armed forces.

 

“The Federal Government should immediately implement the new salary structure it promised members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria if it is serious about restoring morale and strengthening the nation’s military,” the officer said.

 

The personnel warned that poor remuneration could affect recruitment, retention and overall operational effectiveness.

 

Meanwhile, Musa also advocated tougher punishment for kidnappers, including the death penalty, arguing that stronger deterrents were needed to address rising cases of abduction.

 

He also commented on the recent kidnapping of pupils in Oyo State, alleging that the attackers were seeking to pressure security forces into releasing detained commanders.

 

The minister dismissed claims of poor feeding in the military, insisting that reports circulating online were misleading.

 

The security meeting followed recent military operations against terrorists and bandits, including airstrikes by troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA in Zamfara and Katsina States, where the military said it disrupted a planned terrorist offensive and neutralised a suspected bandit commander.

 

In the North-East, troops of Operation HADIN KAI also repelled attacks on military formations in Borno State amid increased assaults on forward operating bases by ISWAP fighters.

 

The Presidency has yet to release details of the outcome of Thursday’s security meeting.