Tinubu meets security chiefs amid troops’ salary backlash
via Punch Nigeria15 min read
President Bola Tinubu convened a security meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja with military and intelligence leaders, including his Special Adviser on Homeland Security, Major General Adeyinka Famadewa retd.. This meeting occurred amidst public backlash regarding the minimum monthly salary of N100,000 for Nigerian soldiers, which the Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, recently disclosed. Veterans and serving personnel have described this amount as inadequate, accusing President Tinubu of not implementing a promised salary increment from nearly four months ago. Retired soldier Abdul Isiak stated that N100,000 is insufficient given the current cost of living, while retired sergeant Zaki Williams questioned the accuracy of the figure and called any government paying such an amount to soldiers "not a serious one." Abiodun Herbert-Durowaye, coordinator of the Coalition for Concerned Veterans, also emphasized the inadequacy of the pay for those risking their lives. Minister Musa acknowledged that the military remains underfunded despite the salary increase from N49,000 to N100,000. He also advocated for the death penalty for kidnappers and commented on the recent abduction of pupils in Oyo State, alleging that kidnappers sought leverage for their detained commanders. Serving personnel, speaking anonymously, urged the Federal Government to implement the promised salary increase to boost morale and strengthen the military, citing the impact of inadequate welfare on recruit
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