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🇳🇬 Nigeria /Conflict & Security

Nigerian soldiers should earn ₦250,000 monthly — Retired general

From The Punch · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • A retired Nigerian general recommends a minimum monthly salary of ₦250,000 for Nigerian soldiers.
  • Major General John Enenche (retired) argues the proposed salary reflects economic realities and the sacrifices soldiers make.
  • He stated soldiers are unable to pursue other income sources and face high living costs, making the proposed salary modest.

A former Director of Defence Information, Major General John Enenche (retired), is advocating for a significant increase in the welfare of Nigerian soldiers. He proposes a minimum monthly salary of ₦250,000 for rank-and-file personnel, arguing it is essential to align with current economic realities and the demanding nature of military service.

For me, a Nigerian soldier from the base, shouldn’t be paid anything less than ₦250,000 per month.

— Major General John Enenche (retired)During an interview on ARISE TV, the retired general stated his recommendation for the minimum monthly salary of Nigerian soldiers.

During an interview on ARISE TV, Enenche emphasized that this proposed salary is a modest benchmark. He pointed to the rising cost of living, noting that feeding alone for soldiers incurs substantial expenses. He also countered arguments that soldiers receive government-provided accommodation, uniforms, and equipment by highlighting the unique sacrifices military personnel make.

Because if you prorate it against expectations, look at how much they spend on feeding. That is feeding alone. That is just a baseline for me.

— Major General John Enenche (retired)Explaining the justification for his proposed salary, highlighting the cost of living.

"A soldier is somebody that has sacrificed all. You have bought his time," Enenche stated. He explained that soldiers are on duty around the clock and must remain available even after retirement. Unlike other public servants, soldiers cannot pursue additional income streams, such as farming, due to the strict demands of their service.

A soldier is somebody that has sacrificed all. You have bought his time. A soldier is not a mercenary. So how can he go and buy his gun?

— Major General John Enenche (retired)Arguing that soldiers' sacrifices distinguish them from other public servants and justify better pay.

The retired general further argued that the ₦250,000 figure is modest when considering transportation and other daily living expenses. He cited the cost of transport in Abuja, which can range from ₦1,000 to ₦2,000 for a single trip. Enenche urged the government to consider his proposal, believing it to be a "doable" and necessary adjustment to support soldiers adequately.

No soldier is ever off-duty, even as I’m retired now. Chief of Defence Staff calls me now, ‘General Enenche, sir, we want you to…’ I would do it, even in retirement.

— Major General John Enenche (retired)Illustrating the continuous duty expected of soldiers, even post-retirement.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Punch. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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