By Felix Olukayode
President Bola Tinubu’s approval of a 30 to 80 percent salary increase for members of the Armed Forces marks one of the most notable improvements in military welfare in recent years. Coming at a time when troops are fighting against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and oil theft across multiple fronts, the decision recognizes the sacrifices made by personnel and is likely to boost morale among the rank and file. Better pay can also ease financial pressures on soldiers and reinforce their confidence that the government values their service.
The biggest beneficiaries are junior personnel, who will see up to an 80 percent increase. These troops often bear the brunt of combat, serving in hazardous and tough conditions. Increased earnings can reduce financial strain, support their families, and motivate them, potentially leading to greater dedication and professionalism in the field.
However, history shows that salary hikes alone do not win wars against insurgency or organized crime. Nigeria’s security issues are driven by a mix of sophisticated armed groups, weak intelligence, porous borders, illegal arms trafficking, and governance failures. Without addressing these structural problems, better pay is unlikely to cause a significant change in the security situation.
Military experts have long argued that success depends equally on equipment and intelligence as on personnel welfare. Troops need modern surveillance tech, reliable communications, air support, armored mobility, drones, and enough ammunition to confront increasingly adaptable criminal networks. Regular maintenance and steady logistics are also essential for operational success.
Equally vital is strengthening intelligence collection and coordination among the military, police, intelligence agencies, and local communities. Timely intelligence often proves more effective than large troop deployments in preventing attacks and dismantling terrorist cells. Improved inter-agency cooperation and better border security would also help limit the movement of weapons and fighters.
The government must also address the root causes of insecurity. Poverty, unemployment, weak local governance, and the recruitment of youths by extremist and criminal groups remain key drivers of violence. Expanding education, creating jobs, rehabilitating affected communities, and swiftly prosecuting terrorism financiers would complement military efforts and reduce the attractiveness of armed groups.
The salary hike is, therefore, a welcome and overdue investment in those risking their lives for the nation, but it should be seen as one part of a broader national security strategy rather than a complete solution. Lasting peace will depend on sustained investment in military capacity, intelligence, policing, justice, and economic development. Only a comprehensive approach can give Nigeria a fair chance of reversing the tide of insecurity.