Following Christopher Musa's revelation that Nigerian troops now receive a minimum monthly wage of N100,000, reactions have ensued. The sum, according to veterans and active military personnel, was woefully insufficient. They said that President Bola Tinubu had neglected to implement a pay increase he had promised over four months earlier.
This comes as President Tinubu called a security meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Thursday night. The meeting was attended by the entire military command, intelligence leadership, and top security advisers, including Major General Adeyinka Famadewa (retd.), his Special Adviser on Homeland Security, whom he appointed in May.
Abdul Isiak, a retired soldier, claimed that the present salary was insufficient to cover living expenses. He went on to say that soldiers would perform better if they were paid more.
"It is absolutely insufficient. What does N100,000 mean given the state of the nation? It is unable to reach any place. They ought to perform better. They would work harder at what they do if they were paid more, he claimed.
Zaki Williams, a retired soldier, went one step farther and questioned the minister's revealed figure.
He remarked, "I doubt if they are paying up to that amount now; it is a lie."
Given the struggles soldiers endure, he said that any government giving soldiers N100,000 is "not a serious one." Abiodun Herbert-Durowaye, the coordinator of the Coalition for Concerned Veterans, stated that the amount was insufficient for soldiers who put their lives in danger for the nation.
How is that acceptable? For someone who is risking his life for the nation, how can that be adequate? We are aware of the current cost of living in this nation. For any guy responsible for maintaining the nation's peaceful coexistence, that is insufficient. It is a long way from it. How much does a bag of rice cost these days, my brother? We're not discussing children's school tuition, housing, or other issues," he stated.
Following a recent assessment of their welfare by the Federal Government, Nigerian soldiers now get a minimum monthly salary of N100,000, according to Minister of Defense Christopher Musa.
Before it was shown on the NC Exclusive program on Friday, Musa revealed this in an interview on News Central on Wednesday. The former Chief of Defense Staff added that although personnel welfare had improved, the military was still underfunded.
When asked if the present defense budget was sufficient, the minister said, "It's not enough." On the other hand, he said that the Federal Government had raised soldiers' pay considerably.
A soldier was earning N49,000 a month when they first started. He's currently earning N100,000 since we worked so hard," he remarked.
The minister also supported the implementation of the death sentence for kidnappers, arguing that harsher penalties were required to stop the nation's rising abduction rate.
"I believe we ought to do it. Deterrence is necessary. People abuse the laws because they are lax. If kids are aware that if you commit a crime, you have to be punished," Musa stated.
The minister called the recent kidnapping of students in Oyo State "unfortunate" and claimed that the abductors were trying to pressure the military into releasing some of their arrested commanders.
It's a very depressing occasion, you know. Unfortunately, negative events do occur. We have some of their commanders with us, so for whatever reason, they are trying to gain leverage. They believe that by kidnapping these children and holding them for ransom, we will release their leader," he stated.
He said that if security forces stepped up their rescue efforts, the kidnappers threatened to kill the kids.
He continued, "They are now threatening to kill all the children if we get any closer."
Additionally, Musa denied reports of inadequate nutrition in the armed forces, claiming that the information circulating in the public sphere was false.
He cited an instance in which a military commander known only as Justice Crack purposefully misrepresented the caliber of meals provided to soldiers.
"The meal served to the soldiers was satisfactory. All of this was present, including meat. However, he instructed them to remove those items and make it appear as though they weren't there," the minister stated.
The Federal Government was urged to immediately execute the pay raise Tinubu announced in March by serving staff who spoke on condition of anonymity, claiming lack of authorization to talk publicly.
One of the employees stated that if the Federal Government was serious about enhancing the welfare of soldiers and bolstering the armed forces, it should keep its word.
"If the Federal Government is serious about boosting morale and bolstering the country's military, it should immediately implement the new salary system it promised members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria. The officer stated, "Many employees today live in conditions that do not reflect the enormous sacrifices they make in defense of the country."
The personnel claim that although members of the Armed Forces risk their lives every day to protect the nation's territorial integrity, they are not fairly compensated for the risks involved in their work.
In order to defend Nigeria's sovereignty and its population, members of the armed forces put their lives in danger. However, the risks, difficulties, and sacrifices that come with serving in the military are not adequately covered by their existing compensation.
"As many struggle to cope with the harsh economic realities facing them and their families, this disparity has contributed to declining morale and an increasing number of personnel going AWOL," the staff member continued.
Another member of the armed forces stated that poor welfare was also having an impact on recruiting, pointing out that the current state of the economy has made military service less appealing to Nigerians.
Recruitment is another area where the effect is noticeable. Because military service is no longer viewed as financially advantageous, many Nigerians are hesitant to register.
"It becomes difficult to attract and retain the caliber of personnel the country needs when those who dedicate their lives to defending the nation continue to face the same economic hardships as the lowest-paid segments of society despite the extraordinary risks they bear," the source stated.
The employees urged the government to start the compensation review right away, claiming that a motivated and well-paid military is essential to the nation's security.
"Now is the moment to take decisive action. The promised pay review must be implemented immediately by the Federal Government in order to fulfill its pledge.
"A motivated, well-paid, and professional Armed Forces are essential to the nation's security. If action is delayed, attrition might worsen, and Nigeria's capacity to adequately address its security concerns could be compromised, the source continued.
Another employee made a direct appeal to President Tinubu to carry on the pledge, claiming that many military families were finding it difficult to keep up with the growing cost of living.
We were thrilled when the President upped our expectations during Iftar. For everyone's happiness, he ought to make it a reality.
"Our existing salaries are insufficient due to the high cost of goods. As I speak, I personally need the raise. "I have dependents and kids to take care of," the staff member stated.
During an interfaith breaking of fast with Service Chiefs at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on March 7, 2026, President Bola Tinubu announced the approval of a salary increase for military personnel.
The President gave members of the Armed Forces assurances during the ceremony that their welfare, housing, and other benefits will be given first priority by his administration.
"I have listened to the Chief of Army Staff, and the recent approvals given to the Army are well placed," Tinubu declared. On behalf of a grateful country, it is my responsibility to thank each and every one of you. I am perfectly aware that many of you are without your families, and some of you are under attack from terrorists and bandits.
"I promise that this country will always be appreciative of you and that your hardships won't be in vain.
"I promise that we will work together and do everything in our power to make sure you have no regrets. Our selections will prioritize your wellbeing, housing, and several other chances that should be provided to your families.
Calls to Maj. Gen. Samaila Uba, the Director of Defense Information, were not returned; therefore, attempts to elicit a response from Defense Headquarters on the subject were unsuccessful.
As of the time this report was filed, he had also not replied to a message that was sent to him.
Tinubu calls a meeting.
According to authorities who are aware of the President's meeting agenda with intelligence and security chiefs and senior security advisers, the meeting on Thursday was a thorough assessment of the nation's security situation as well as that of several operational theaters.
The State House confirmed the more than two-hour-long private engagement in a photo that was made public on Thursday.
Nuhu Ribadu, the National Security Advisor; General Christopher Musa (retd.), the Minister of Defense; General Olufemi Oluyede, the Chief of Defense Staff; Lieutenant General Waidi Isa, the Chief of Army Staff; and Lieutenant General Emmanuel Undiandeye, the Chief of Defense Intelligence, were in attendance.
Adeola Ajayi, Director-General of the Department of State Services; Mohammed Mohammed, Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency; Major General Adeyinka Famadewa (retd.), Special Advisor to the President on Homeland Security; Kayode Egbetokun, Inspector-General of Police; and other security agency representatives were also present.
The gathering takes place two days after soldiers from Operation FANSAN YAMMA, with assistance from the Joint Task Force (North West) Air Component, stopped what the military claimed was a significant planned terrorist attack in Zamfara and Katsina States.
Three Nigerian Air Force aircraft carried out precision airstrikes on a convoy of over 300 heavily armed terrorists traveling on motorbikes from the Sunke-Kumbo axis toward Gummi on July 7.
Alhaji Tukur, a known bandit commander and the younger brother of sought kingpin Alhaji Shehu Bagiwaye, was neutralized by troops in a different battle in Dogon Kade.
Following coordinated attacks on military formations that some security analysts characterize as an intentional campaign by ISWAP to overrun forward operating bases and reduce the operational capacity of troops, troops of Operation Hadin Kai repelled a new assault on the Mairari military base on July 1 in the Northeast.
In 2026 alone, there have been at least 13 attacks on military installations, mostly in Borno State.
The Presidency had not released a statement regarding the meeting's specifics at the time of this report.
Defense Minister Musa told State House reporters during a prior security meeting in March that security forces had risen to the occasion and that the armed forces had come to brief the President on a series of attacks. "The terrorists and bandits are taking more casualties, despite what you may read or hear. Every day, their commanders are killed. We're sure we'll win," Musa had declared.