President Bola Tinubu on Thursday held a closed-door meeting with Nigeria’s top security and intelligence officials at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, amid growing public debate over the welfare of military personnel following recent comments on soldiers’ salaries.
The meeting brought together key figures in the country’s security architecture, including the National Security Adviser, service chiefs, intelligence heads, the Inspector-General of Police, and other senior security advisers. Although the Presidency did not immediately disclose details of the discussions, officials familiar with the gathering said it focused on reviewing the nation’s security situation and ongoing military operations across different regions.
The meeting came shortly after remarks by the Minister of Defence, Muhammed Badaru Abubakar, who stated in a television interview that the minimum monthly salary for Nigerian soldiers had increased from about N49,000 to N100,000 following recent welfare reforms. He also acknowledged that the defence sector continues to face funding challenges despite improvements in personnel welfare.
Veterans, Serving Personnel Question Adequacy of Salary
The minister’s comments have generated widespread reactions from retired and serving military personnel, many of whom argue that the current pay remains insufficient given Nigeria’s rising cost of living and the risks associated with military service.
Several retired soldiers described the salary as inadequate, saying it falls short of meeting basic household expenses and does not reflect the sacrifices made by troops engaged in combating insurgency, banditry, kidnapping and other security threats.
Some serving personnel, who spoke anonymously because they were not authorised to comment publicly, also renewed calls for the Federal Government to implement the broader salary review that President Tinubu announced earlier this year.
According to them, improving welfare remains critical to boosting morale, retaining experienced personnel and attracting new recruits into the armed forces.
They argued that prolonged delays in implementing the promised salary adjustments could negatively affect motivation within the military at a time when security forces continue to face multiple operational challenges nationwide.
Calls for Government to Honour Earlier Commitment
The officers urged the Federal Government to fulfil commitments made to members of the Armed Forces, noting that many personnel continue to struggle with increasing living costs while serving in difficult and dangerous conditions.
Some also expressed concern that military service is becoming less attractive to prospective recruits because of welfare concerns, warning that this could affect future manpower if not addressed.
President Tinubu had, during an interfaith breaking of fast with service chiefs in March, assured military personnel that his administration would prioritise improvements in salaries, accommodation and other welfare benefits.
At the event, the President pledged continued support for members of the armed forces, acknowledging the sacrifices they make in defending the country against terrorism, banditry and other security threats.
Defence Minister Advocates Tougher Measures Against Kidnapping
During the same interview, the Defence Minister also advocated tougher penalties for kidnapping, saying stronger deterrent measures could help reduce the growing incidence of abductions across the country.
He further addressed concerns about military welfare, dismissing allegations that soldiers receive inadequate meals and insisting that reports suggesting poor feeding conditions were misleading.
Security Review Follows Recent Military Operations
Thursday’s security meeting also came after a series of recent military operations against armed groups in different parts of the country.
Security forces have reported successes in ongoing operations in the North-West and North-East, including air and ground offensives targeting armed groups operating in Zamfara, Katsina and Borno states.
Military authorities have continued efforts to strengthen security operations as troops confront insurgency, banditry, kidnapping and other emerging threats across several regions.
As of the time of reporting, the Presidency had not released an official statement outlining the resolutions reached during the security meeting.
