Nigerian Soldiers Warn Of Impending Mutiny Over Poor Salaries, Non-Payment Of Allowances

In an open letter to President Tinubu shared with SaharaReporters, the Army personnel accused service chiefs of corruption and extortion.

Some aggrieved soldiers have again cried out over what they described as disparity in salaries of newly promoted Army personnel.

They urged President Bola Tinubu to thoroughly investigate happenings in the military, particularly issues involving and affecting the rank and file.

The soldiers added that a mutiny against top officers is in the offing if the authorities fail to address the burning issues affecting the welfare of troops.

In an open letter to President Tinubu shared with SaharaReporters, the Army personnel accused service chiefs of corruption and extortion.

They also called for a review of their salaries and allowances to reflect the current economic realities of the country.

“We are writing to express concerns about the salary increments for junior ranks in the Nigerian Army. Despite promotions, the increases are minimal, ranging from ₦2,000 to ₦15,000,” part of the letter read.

“For instance: - Army Warrant Officers (AWO): ₦3,000 added. - Warrant Officer (WO): ₦4,000 added. - Staff Sergeant (SSgt): ₦15,000 added. - Sergeant (Sgt): ₦4,000 added. - Corporal (Cpl): ₦8,000 added. - Lance Corporal (LCpl): ₦2,000 added.

“Considering the Federal Government's approval of a 25-35% salary increase for armed forces personnel effective January 1, 2024, we request a comprehensive salary review and fair implementation of allowances.

“This is an organization that only promotes its personnel after 5 years of service to the nation. So this is the salary upgrade after 5 years serving day and night in the Nigerian Army.”

They soldiers threatened to resort to lawlessness if their issues are not resolved.

“Sadly, the Federal Government led by President Tinubu has been silent on all the complaints. The scarce skills allowances of N100,000 is not fully implemented as well since 2017 and the government is funding the Army with the funds,” the soldiers said in a statement.

They said, “How can someone who works tirelessly for 5 years’ service to the nation be promoted and paid only additional N3,000 or N5,000? This is unfair and unfortunate. The Federal Government has been silent and this is not good for Nigeria.

“Our counterparts in Navy and Air Force are fully implemented, AWO have additional N75,000. Chief Petty Officer/WO also added N70,000. Petty Officer/Flight Sergeant PO/FS have additional N45,000. Leading Seaman/ Sergeant LS/Sgt have additional N30,000. Able Seaman/Corporal AS/Cpl have additional N25,000 and Ordinary Seaman/Lance Corporal OS/LCpl also have N20,000 added to their old salaries. But in the Nigerian Army, the highest was N15,000 added to all newly promoted ranks.”

“Poor pay with multiple loans and an unending cycle of debts, when will this stop?” the soldiers asked.