‘How Much Is Bag Of Rice’ – Veterans Queries ₦100,000 Salary For Soldiers

The Coordinator of the Coalition for Concerned Veterans, Abiodun Herbert-Durowaye, has criticised the reported ₦100,000 minimum monthly salary for Nigerian soldiers, describing it as grossly inadequate for personnel who risk their lives in defence of the country.

Herbert-Durowaye, who spoke with Punch, said the amount did not reflect the economic realities facing troops and their families, particularly the rising cost of food, accommodation and education.

His comments followed a disclosure by the Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, that the Federal Government had reviewed soldiers’ minimum monthly pay from ₦49,000 to ₦100,000.

Musa, a former Chief of Defence Staff, made the disclosure during an interview with News Central on Wednesday ahead of the programme’s broadcast on Friday.

Reacting to the announcement, Herbert-Durowaye questioned how the amount could sustain personnel responsible for protecting the country and maintaining peace.

“How can that be okay? How can that be sufficient for someone who’s putting his life on the line for the country? We know the cost of living in this country today,” he said.

He argued that the salary was insufficient for any soldier tasked with ensuring national security and peaceful coexistence.

“That’s not sufficient for any man who is ensuring the peaceful coexistence of the country. It is far from it,” he added.

The veterans’ coordinator said the rising prices of basic commodities had further reduced the value of the salary increase.

“My brother, how much is a bag of rice today? We are not talking about children’s school fees, shelter and what have you,” Herbert-Durowaye said.

He urged the Federal Government to adopt a more realistic salary structure that reflects the risks faced by military personnel and the current cost of living.