A distressed member of the Nigerian Army has called on President Tinubu to tackle the issue of inadequate treatment of military personnel who are risking their lives daily for the nation.
In an open letter addressed to the President, the anonymous soldier, representing his fellow servicemen, highlighted that the root cause of some soldiers engaging in criminal activities is the lack of adequate welfare and compensation.
Dated January 27, 2024, the letter is titled ‘Expression of Concern Regarding Poor Welfare and Salaries of the Armed Forces Soldiers’.
The soldier also appealed to Tinubu to extend his anti-corruption campaign to the armed forces, expressing frustration over the non-payment of the government’s N35,000 monthly palliative to workers.
The full letter states, “As soldiers of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, we pen this open letter to respectfully bring to light our grave concerns and disappointment with the poor treatment meted out to soldiers, especially those in the Nigerian Army.
“We feel it’s vital for you, as our Commander-in-Chief, to be informed about the difficulties we encounter daily.
“Our primary concern is the stark contrast between our inadequate welfare and salaries and the perilous environments we operate in. It’s disheartening to see a soldier’s monthly salary capped at fifty thousand naira, which is barely enough to buy a single bag of rice.
“As soldiers committed to safeguarding the peace and security of our country, it’s incredibly challenging to support our families and fulfill their basic necessities. The modest remuneration we receive makes it hard for some of us to even pay for our children’s education.
“It’s also alarming that we, as soldiers serving our nation, have to allocate a significant portion of our salaries towards buying uniforms and other essential gear for our duties.
“The cost of a soldier’s uniform exceeds their monthly salary, leaving little for family expenses. We are left to wonder how soldiers are expected to manage the financial strains they face while serving their country.
“If Nigeria is not in a position to look after its soldiers’ welfare, we kindly request that recruitment of new members be stopped. It would be unfair to bring them into a system that neglects their well-being. For those who have devoted their lives to service, we suggest either reducing mandatory service to a maximum of 10 or 15 years or allowing soldiers to have side jobs to supplement their income.”
The letter emphasizes the need for “thorough reform in the military, highlighting several areas that urgently need improvement to avert further issues”.
It notes, “Common soldiers, who bear most of the burden, often go unrecognized for their effort and commitment.
“They are inadequately rewarded and lack sufficient time for family visits and care. It is disheartening to see Master Warrant Officers, after committing 30 years to this nation, relegated to menial tasks without appropriate acknowledgment.
“In contrast, young officers with far less experience enjoy higher salaries and receive greater respect and dignity.
“We urge you, Mr. President, to take our complaints seriously. In an age where slavery is long abolished, such disparity in treatment of soldiers is unacceptable.
“If the military primarily benefits officers while neglecting the welfare of other ranks, we may be compelled to pursue alternative paths that offer a better life for us and our families. Like officers, we too have responsibilities and dreams of nurturing responsible families.
“We also remind you of your commitment to pay all federal government workers a thirty-five thousand naira monthly palliative for six months due to past hardships.
“Yet, we, the soldiers, have received only one payment so far. We respectfully ask for your intervention in resolving this important issue.
“As soldiers devoted to the welfare and progress of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, we earnestly hope for your prompt action in addressing our grievances.
“By resolving these issues, you will boost morale in the Armed Forces and ensure its continued efficacy in maintaining our nation’s peace and security.”
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