A former spokesperson of the Nigerian Air Force has called for a comprehensive review of the salaries and welfare packages of members of the Nigerian Armed Forces, arguing that the current level of remuneration does not adequately reflect the sacrifices made by military personnel in safeguarding the nation.
According to him, the security challenges facing Nigeria have placed enormous responsibilities on soldiers, airmen, and naval personnel who risk their lives daily to protect citizens, defend national sovereignty, and combat terrorism, insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, and other forms of criminality.
He stated that a monthly salary of ₦100,000 is insufficient to meet the rising cost of living, especially considering the country’s current economic realities. He stressed that military personnel deserve compensation that reflects the demanding nature of their profession and enables them to provide a decent standard of living for their families.
The former Air Force spokesman emphasized that improving the welfare of security personnel goes beyond salary increases. He advocated for better housing, quality healthcare, modern operational equipment, comprehensive insurance coverage, educational support for the children of service members, and improved retirement benefits.
He further noted that boosting the welfare of military personnel would enhance morale, strengthen professionalism, improve operational effectiveness, and reinforce the commitment of officers and soldiers serving across various parts of the country.
He also encouraged policymakers to prioritize sustained investment in the welfare of the armed forces, describing it as a critical component of national security and long-term stability. According to him, a motivated and well-supported military is better equipped to respond to evolving security threats and protect the lives and property of Nigerians.
He concluded by urging the government to continue engaging with military leadership and relevant stakeholders to develop policies that recognize the invaluable contributions of members of the Nigerian Armed Forces and ensure they receive fair and competitive compensation for their service to the nation.