Ex-LP gov aspirant calls for better military welfare

Asha Okojie, a former governorship aspirant for the Labour Party in Edo State, has called for a more comprehensive approach to military welfare in Nigeria. While acknowledging and welcoming the recent increase in the minimum monthly salary for entry-level soldiers from N49,000 to N100,000, announced by the Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa, Okojie stressed that this should be the starting point for a broader national discussion.

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The salary increase represents meaningful progress, and the Federal Government deserves recognition for taking this important step. However, it also raises a more fundamental question that deserves thoughtful national reflection. What does genuine military welfare look like in a nation that depends on its Armed Forces to preserve peace and security?

Okojie, who is also a healthcare consultant, stated that genuine military welfare extends far beyond monthly pay. She outlined essential components such as comprehensive healthcare, including mental health services, adequate housing, educational opportunities for soldiers' children, robust family support programs, modern equipment, and timely pension payments. She also emphasized the need for rehabilitation services for wounded personnel and survivor benefits, ensuring that those who serve the nation are themselves protected.

She highlighted the immense challenges faced by Nigeria's Armed Forces daily, including combating terrorism, insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, piracy, and oil theft. Many soldiers serve extended periods away from their families in dangerous environments, facing significant physical and emotional risks. Okojie argued that strengthening military families through quality housing, dependable healthcare, educational support, childcare, counseling, and timely benefits is a critical aspect of military reform.

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The answer extends far beyond monthly pay. Military welfare is not simply about salaries. It encompasses comprehensive healthcare, mental health services, decent housing, educational opportunities for military children, family support programmes, modern equipment, professional development, timely pensions, rehabilitation for wounded personnel, survivor benefits, and the assurance that those who dedicate their lives to defending Nigeria will themselves be protected by the nation they serve.

Specifically, Okojie pointed to healthcare as a major opportunity for military reform, viewing it as a strategic national security investment. She advocated for accessible preventive medicine, emergency and trauma care, rehabilitation services, specialist consultations, mental health support, and secure health information systems. This focus on health ensures military readiness and continuity of care throughout service and into retirement, ultimately supporting the nation's security objectives.

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Healthcare should, therefore, be viewed as a strategic national security investment rather than merely an expenditure.