Tinubu Meets Security Chiefs as Soldiers Demand Promised Salary Increase

President Bola Tinubu on Thursday held a high-level security meeting with military commanders, intelligence chiefs and top security officials at the Presidential Villa amid growing criticism over the welfare of Nigerian troops.

The meeting came as current and retired military personnel expressed dissatisfaction with the disclosure by the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, that the minimum monthly salary for soldiers now stands at ₦100,000, describing the amount as inadequate given Nigeria's rising cost of living.

Several serving soldiers, who spoke anonymously, urged the Federal Government to fulfil President Tinubu's promise to implement a new salary structure announced in March 2026. They argued that low pay has weakened morale, contributed to personnel leaving service without authorization, and made military recruitment increasingly difficult.

Retired soldiers also said the current salary falls short of the sacrifices made by troops fighting terrorism, banditry and other security threats across the country.

During a recent interview, the Defence Minister acknowledged that the military remains underfunded but said the government had doubled the minimum salary from ₦49,000 to ₦100,000 as part of efforts to improve troop welfare.

The minister also called for tougher penalties against kidnappers, including the death sentence, arguing that stronger punishments would help deter rising cases of abduction nationwide.

Meanwhile, Thursday's closed-door security meeting reviewed the country's security situation following recent military operations against terrorists and bandits in the North-West and North-East. Security chiefs reportedly briefed the President on ongoing efforts to tackle insurgency, banditry and other threats across the country.

President Tinubu had earlier pledged to prioritize the welfare, accommodation and benefits of members of the Armed Forces, assuring them that his administration would continue supporting those risking their lives to protect Nigeria.

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