Security analyst Dr. Majeed Dahiru has called for improved welfare and remuneration for Nigerian military personnel, arguing that their sacrifices should be matched with better pay and working conditions.
Speaking on Channels Television, Dahiru said Nigerian troops continue to display courage in some of the country’s most dangerous conflict zones despite receiving inadequate compensation. He argued that soldiers who risk their lives to protect the nation deserve a welfare package that reflects the magnitude of their responsibilities.
“In terms of welfare for personnel, our troops are poorly paid compared to other countries,” he said, adding that an entry-level rifle soldier in the United States earns about $24,000 annually, far more than a counterpart in Nigeria.
Dahiru stressed that welfare reforms should go beyond salaries to include quality healthcare, accommodation, insurance, timely payment of allowances, adequate equipment, and post-service support.
He also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for recent efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture, citing proposed state police, plans to expand the armed forces, and a recruitment framework involving state governments. Dahiru said such reforms should be complemented by sustained investment in the welfare of military personnel to improve national security.
