Soldiers Reject N100,000 Salary as Tinubu Holds Emergency Security Meeting

The Federal Government’s disclosure that the lowest-paid Nigerian soldier now earns N100,000 monthly has sparked criticism from serving and retired military personnel, who say the amount falls far short of addressing the country’s economic realities .

The backlash followed comments by the Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, who said the government had doubled soldiers’ minimum salary from N49,000 to N100,000 as part of efforts to improve their welfare . The minister made the disclosure during an interview on News Central on Wednesday, ahead of its broadcast on the NC Exclusive programme on Friday . He also admitted, however, that defence funding remains inadequate, stating: “It’s not enough” .

Many personnel argued that the increase remains inadequate and urged President Bola Tinubu to fulfil his promise of a broader salary review announced earlier this year . On March 7, 2026, during an interfaith breaking of fast with Service Chiefs, the President had assured members of the Armed Forces that his administration would prioritise their welfare, accommodation and other benefits . Serving personnel who spoke on condition of anonymity pressed the government to implement the promised salary increase, warning that poor remuneration was contributing to declining morale and increasing cases of personnel going AWOL .

A retired soldier, Abdul Isiak, said the current salary could not sustain military personnel in the face of rising living costs. “It is not enough at all. What is N100,000 with the current situation of the country? It can’t get to anywhere. They should do better. If they pay more, they would put more effort into what they are doing” .

Another retired serviceman, Sergeant Zaki Williams, questioned whether the amount announced by the minister was actually being paid. “I doubt if they are paying up to that amount now. It is a lie,” he said . He also criticised the remuneration offered to soldiers: “Even at that, that money is too ridiculous. Any government paying a soldier N100,000 is not a serious one. If you know what they are passing through, you would not offer them such money. We have been crying but no help. The government has tried, but they can do better” .

The Coordinator of the Coalition for Concerned Veterans, Abiodun Herbert-Durowaye, described the salary as insufficient for personnel risking their lives to defend the country . “How can that be sufficient for someone who’s putting his life on the line for the country? We know the cost of living in this country today. That’s not sufficient for any man who is ensuring the peaceful coexistence of the country. It is far from it. My brother, how much is a bag of rice today? We are not talking about children’s school fees, shelter and what have you” .

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Serving personnel who spoke anonymously urged the Federal Government to implement the salary increase President Tinubu announced in March, saying the promised review had yet to take effect . One officer said: “The Federal Government should immediately implement the new salary structure it promised members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria if it is serious about restoring morale and strengthening the nation’s military. Today, many personnel are living in conditions that do not reflect the enormous sacrifices they make in defence of the country” . Another personnel appealed directly to the President: “During Iftar, the President raised our hopes and we were very happy. He should please make it a reality so that everybody will be happy. Things are quite expensive, which has made our current salaries not enough. I personally need the increment as I speak. I have children and dependents to cater for” .

The controversy unfolded as President Tinubu on Thursday convened a high-level security meeting at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, with service chiefs, intelligence heads and senior security advisers to review the nation’s security situation . The closed-door meeting, which lasted more than two hours, brought together the nation’s top military commanders and security leadership .

Those present at the meeting included the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (retd.); Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede; Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Isa; Chief of Defence Intelligence, Lieutenant General Emmanuel Undiandeye; Director-General of the Department of State Services, Adeola Ajayi; Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency, Mohammed Mohammed; Special Adviser to the President on Homeland Security, Major General Adeyinka Famadewa (retd.); and Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu .

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The meeting focused on a comprehensive review of security challenges and developments across various theatres of operation . It came two days after troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, supported by the Air Component of the Joint Task Force, disrupted what the military described as a major planned terrorist offensive in Zamfara and Katsina States . During the July 7 operation, three Nigerian Air Force aircraft reportedly tracked a convoy of approximately 300 heavily armed terrorists on motorcycles and conducted precision airstrikes on the formation .

In a separate engagement, troops neutralised Alhaji Tukur, identified by military authorities as a notorious bandit commander and younger brother of wanted kingpin Alhaji Shehu Bagiwaye, in Dogon Kade . In the North-East, troops of Operation Hadin Kai have continued operations against ISWAP and other terrorist groups . Although details of the deliberations were not made public, officials familiar with the meeting said it focused on reviewing ongoing military operations against terrorists, bandits and other criminal elements .

Meanwhile, in a separate interview, the Defence Minister addressed the recent abduction of pupils in Oyo State, alleging that the kidnappers were seeking the release of detained commanders . “You know, it’s a very sad event. Unfortunately, bad things do happen. For whatever reason, they are looking for leverage because we have some of their commanders with us, and they feel taking these kids and holding them to ransom will make us release their commander” . He added: “They are now threatening that if we come any closer, they’re going to kill all the kids” .

The minister also called for stiffer penalties against kidnappers, including capital punishment. “I think we should do that. There must be deterrence. The laws are soft, and that’s why people take advantage. If they know once you commit an offence, there must be punishment” .

Badaru also rejected claims circulating on social media that soldiers were poorly fed, insisting that a viral video had been manipulated . “The soldier’s food was okay. There was meat; there was all this. But he told them to pull out those things and make it look as if those things were not there” .

As of the time of filing this report, neither the Presidency nor the Defence Headquarters had issued an official statement on the outcome of Thursday’s security meeting . The State House announced the meeting through a photograph released on Thursday evening but did not immediately disclose the resolutions reached during the engagement .

Soldiers Reject N100,000 Salary as Tinubu Holds Emergency Security Meeting

Tinubu vows not to betray Nigerians, says economic reforms will secure brighter future

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his commitment to delivering on the promises of his administration, declaring that he will never betray the trust reposed in him by Nigerians while insisting that the ongoing economic reforms are laying the foundation for a stronger economy and a brighter future for generations to come.

The President made the declaration on Thursday in a message delivered on his behalf by Senate President Godswill Akpabio during the inauguration of the executives of the PBAT Door-to-Door Movement, a grassroots mobilisation platform established to promote the Renewed Hope Agenda across Nigeria.

Addressing political leaders, traditional rulers, civil society organisations, youth groups and supporters at the event, Tinubu said his administration remains focused on building a stronger and more prosperous nation despite the difficult decisions it has taken since assuming office.

“I am delighted to be here to see what Nigerians are doing from their hearts for the development of the nation. I can see people interested in the future of the country,” the President said.

He added: “I am determined never to betray the trust by Nigerians and the vision of ensuring a better Nigeria.”

Tinubu called on members of the PBAT Door-to-Door Movement to intensify grassroots engagement by taking the message of his administration directly to Nigerians, stressing that democracy flourishes through sustained interaction between leaders and citizens.

According to him, meaningful political victories begin with conversations at the community level rather than at the ballot box alone.

“Every great nation is driven by one citizen at a time, and one door at a time. Before victories at the ballot boxes, there are confrontations at every door,” he said.

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The President urged supporters to educate Nigerians about government programmes and policies, saying the benefits of good governance become more meaningful when citizens understand the purpose behind them.

“Go to these doors and tell them about the dividends of good governance after they vote. That is how democracy endures,” he said.

Tinubu acknowledged that many Nigerians have made sacrifices as a result of the administration’s economic reforms, but maintained that the measures were introduced to address long-standing structural challenges and create lasting prosperity.

“The purpose of reforms is not to make life difficult for citizens but to lay the foundation that future generations can build on. Lasting progress is rarely achieved without enduring sacrifice,” he stated.

The President said countries achieve sustainable development by confronting difficult challenges with courage and patriotism rather than avoiding necessary reforms.

He also stressed the importance of collaboration among the executive, legislature and citizens, describing collective responsibility as essential to effective governance and national development.

“Good governance succeeds when the executive, legislature and the citizens agree to work together,” he said.

Calling for national unity, Tinubu urged Nigerians not to allow political differences to weaken the country’s shared aspirations.

“Politics should never divide us as Nigerians. Our nation is greater than any political party, office holder or elections,” he declared.

He encouraged members of the movement to spread hope, respect and confidence in Nigeria’s democratic institutions.

“Knock on every door with respect, while strengthening faith in our democracy and the future of Nigeria. Let every door lead to a renewed hope for greater Nigeria and a more prosperous nation,” the President said.

Tinubu also commended High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, and members of the PBAT Door-to-Door Movement for launching the grassroots mobilisation initiative.

“I commend High Chief Government Ekpemupolo and his team for putting this together. We are united whenever the nation calls,” he said.

Highlighting the achievements of his administration, Tinubu maintained that reforms introduced over the past three years were already positioning Nigeria for sustained economic growth and national development.

“In three years we have embarked on various reforms to grow our economy and make life brighter for Nigerians. The future is indeed brighter for Nigerians,” he added.

Earlier, the Managing Director of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, Kestin Pondi, who represented the Grand Patron of the movement, Tompolo, described the inauguration as the beginning of a nationwide grassroots mobilisation campaign in support of the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Pondi thanked the thousands of Nigerians who attended the event, including political leaders, traditional rulers, members of the diplomatic community, youth and women groups, civil society organisations and media representatives, saying their presence reflected a shared commitment to promoting national unity, good governance and sustainable development.

He described Tinubu as a courageous leader whose reform agenda demonstrated determination to transform the country.

“President Tinubu is a man of immense courage as can be seen in the breadth of his reform programmes. To every Nigerian who believes in the vision of a prosperous, united and progressive country, he is the man of the moment,” Pondi said.

He acknowledged that the country’s journey towards sustainable development may not be easy but expressed confidence that Nigeria was moving in the right direction.

“The inauguration is only the beginning. Together we shall continue to mobilise support, strengthen grassroots engagement and promote constructive citizen participation in nation building. The road ahead would be bumpy but a safe arrival is assured,” he said.

Pondi urged members of the movement to remain peaceful, disciplined and committed to promoting national unity while supporting initiatives aimed at advancing Nigeria’s growth and development.

“As we move forward, I urge every member and supporter of the PBAT Door-to-Door Movement to remain committed, peaceful, disciplined and focused on our collective objectives. Let us work together to deepen national unity and contribute positively to the growth and development of our dear nation,” he said.

Tinubu vows not to betray Nigerians, says economic reforms will secure brighter future

Gbajabiamila Scandal a Plot to Embarrass Tinubu, Says Wike

• FCT Minister dismisses PFIPC allegations as politically motivated, challenges accuser to face security agencies

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has dismissed allegations linking President Bola Tinubu’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, to the controversy surrounding the purported Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC), describing the claims as a politically motivated plot to embarrass the Tinubu administration. Speaking during his monthly media chat in Abuja on Thursday, Wike said the accusations made by Adeniyi Adeyemi, who claimed to be the Director-General of the non-existent agency, were implausible and lacked credibility. The controversy erupted after Adeyemi alleged that Gbajabiamila was involved in his appointment and claimed to have headed the fictitious government agency — claims the Presidency has since rejected, maintaining that no such agency exists. President Bola Tinubu has directed the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to investigate the matter and submit its findings within 30 days, while the Senate has also decided to await the outcome of the ICPC investigation before taking further legislative action.

The FCT minister questioned why Adeyemi reportedly went into hiding after making the allegations, insisting that anyone with genuine evidence should present it to security agencies. “If the young man knows what he is saying is correct, why run away? How can you make such a statement and then run away? You need to be interrogated,” Wike said. “If it was indeed correct, eyeball to eyeball. Go to the security agency. Look at my communications with him. Look at the phone, I’ve been talking with him. Look at what we have done.” Wike argued that the Chief of Staff cannot authorise funds for an agency that does not exist, describing such suggestions as illogical. “Does it make sense that an agency that does not exist he will ask somebody to give it such an amount of money? It is madness. The Chief of Staff cannot create a budget. It is simply not possible,” he stated. The minister also questioned the logic of the allegations, noting that government agencies operate through established budgetary processes that cannot be circumvented by a single official. He further emphasised that the accuser’s decision to flee rather than face investigators casts serious doubt on the credibility of the claims, and he called on Nigerians to scrutinise the motives behind such allegations.

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According to the minister, senior government officials, particularly the Chief of Staff, are often prime targets for those seeking to discredit an administration. “There are people you target in government to give a bad name to their boss. This is the Chief of Staff. This is the person who is in charge of finance and the Secretary to the Government. If you want to embarrass any government, these are the targets first,” Wike said. He expressed confidence in Gbajabiamila’s integrity, stating, “Without any prejudice, I know the Chief of Staff very, very well.” Wike noted that the Chief of Staff position is one of the most strategic in any administration, making it a natural target for those seeking to destabilise the government. He emphasised that Gbajabiamila has served with dedication and should not be judged based on unsubstantiated claims from individuals with questionable motives. The minister also pointed out that the timing of the allegations, coming amid ongoing government reforms, suggests a coordinated effort to distract the administration from its policy objectives.

Drawing from personal experience, Wike recalled how he was previously the victim of what he described as fabricated allegations designed to tarnish his reputation. “Someone once claimed he knew my children and alleged that my son collected two million dollars after speaking with me about land. We investigated the matter and discovered that my son had travelled on a British Airways flight that morning, whereas the alleged transaction was said to have taken place at night,” he said. He disclosed that some people advised him to quietly settle the matter to avoid negative publicity, but he refused. “One of them told me that because of my position, I should settle it. I asked, ‘Settle what?’ This is cheap blackmail. I will not allow that,” he said. The minister used his personal experience to illustrate how false allegations can be weaponised against public officials, urging Nigerians to be cautious about accepting unverified claims at face value. He called on the media to exercise responsible journalism by verifying facts before publishing sensational stories that could harm the reputation of innocent individuals, warning that such tactics undermine public trust in governance.

The FCT minister also faulted calls by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar for opposition parties to be included in the investigation ordered by President Tinubu. “The demand by Atiku is rubbish. When did the government start? When they want to put the person, okay, you from party A, come; party B, come; party C, come?” he said. He accused the opposition of attempting to exploit the controversy for political advantage, noting that statements condemning Gbajabiamila were issued almost immediately after the allegations surfaced. “A man accused the Chief of Staff today, and by the following morning, the opposition had already issued a statement. What is the business of people like Atiku if it is not politically driven?” he asked. Wike further criticised the opposition’s approach, stating that their eagerness to condemn without waiting for investigation outcomes reveals their political agenda. He called on Nigerians to reject attempts by opposition figures to turn every national issue into a political battlefield, insisting that institutions like the ICPC should be allowed to do their work without interference. He also questioned the consistency of the opposition, noting that similar calls for transparency were absent when they held power.

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The minister insisted that no public official should be condemned or dismissed based on unverified allegations. “People are saying the Chief of Staff must be sacked. By who? The opposition? Why should he be sacked over unproven allegations? That is not how government works,” Wike said. He argued that calls for Gbajabiamila’s removal were premature and designed to pressure the President into making a hasty decision that could set a dangerous precedent. “Government has asked the ICPC to investigate because it is a criminal allegation. You don’t ask people to step aside simply because somebody made an accusation. Let the investigation establish the facts first,” he said. Wike alleged that some political actors were seeking to use the controversy to attack the Tinubu administration. He also criticised Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, accusing him and his supporters of turning national issues into political debates instead of allowing institutions to carry out their responsibilities. “Everything cannot be politics. They have never been consistent, so I don’t take many of those comments seriously,” he said, adding that the opposition’s fixation on every government action reflects a lack of constructive engagement with policy matters.

During the same media chat, Wike also addressed his perceived unpopularity among civil servants, attributing it to his administration’s decision to block avenues for fraudulent diversion of public funds. “We waste our resources on frivolities. You expect me to approve funds for you to go to America for a one-week conference on land administration. What is that?” Wike queried. “Go to Lagos and Port Harcourt, study how their own works or did not work and make a comparison here. How do you encourage me to sign N20 million for somebody to travel to America for a conference on land administration? I won’t do that.” He disclosed that before he assumed office, about 65 per cent of the FCT budget was devoted to recurrent expenditure, but his administration reversed the ratio to 70 per cent capital expenditure and 30 per cent recurrent. “That is why I can’t be popular among civil servants. If you ask anybody today which minister they don’t like, it is me. Why? Because the money they used for conferences, I put it together and used it to build roads,” Wike said. He defended his approach to governance, stating that his priority is delivering tangible infrastructure and services to the people of the FCT rather than pleasing civil servants who may prefer business as usual. He also noted that his administration has completed several road projects and initiated new ones, which he believes are more beneficial to the majority of FCT residents than foreign trips and lavish conferences.

The minister also referred to the recent abduction of pupils in Oyo State, saying attempts to politicise the incident were unnecessary after Governor Seyi Makinde clarified that President Tinubu did not personally call him over the matter. Wike emphasised that security issues should be treated with the seriousness they deserve, rather than being turned into political tools for scoring points against the federal government. He called for unity in addressing the nation’s security challenges, stressing that political differences should not hinder cooperation between federal and state governments on matters of public safety. The minister also urged state governors to collaborate more effectively with federal security agencies to ensure the safety of all Nigerians, regardless of their political affiliations.

On opposition politics, Wike said many opposition parties were dealing with internal disputes rather than providing alternatives to the government. He rejected claims that the All Progressives Congress (APC) was responsible for the legal challenges facing opposition parties, including the African Democratic Congress (ADC). According to him, some parties created their own problems through internal disagreements and legal decisions. Referring to disputes involving the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) , Wike questioned why cases involving the commission, whose headquarters is in Abuja, were filed in other states. He suggested that opposition parties should focus on resolving their internal conflicts rather than blaming the ruling party for their misfortunes. He also observed that many opposition figures have been unable to provide coherent policy alternatives, choosing instead to criticise every government action without offering constructive solutions. He challenged the opposition to present their vision for Nigeria rather than engaging in what he described as “destructive politics” that does not serve the interest of the people.

Gbajabiamila Scandal a Plot to Embarrass Tinubu, Says Wike