Major General John Enenche (retd.), a former Director of Defence Information, has called on the Federal Government to improve the welfare and remuneration of Nigerian soldiers substantially, stressing that the country’s military personnel deserved better financial support in appreciation of the sacrifices they make to defend the country.
Speaking during an interview on Arise Television on Saturday, the retired senior military officer said no Nigerian soldier should earn less than ₦250,000 monthly, describing the figure as a reasonable minimum in view of the economic realities in the country and the rising cost of living.
Enenche said the soldiers are not like regular public servants, who are performing their official duties; rather, the army men are always on national service, whether they are on active duty or have retired from duty.
The nature of military work was such that it was demanding and personnel were required to be on hand round the clock, unlike workers who operated within set working hours, he said. He pointed out that soldiers face special risks, long periods away from their families, and often work in life-threatening conditions to protect the country’s territorial integrity and internal security.
“I believe a Nigerian soldier from the base should be paid nothing less than ₦250,000 per month,” Enenche said during the interview.
According to him, the proposed salary would be a modest benchmark, rather than an excessive demand, given the sharp rise in inflation and the increasing cost of essential goods and services in Nigeria.
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The retired general further emphasized military service is a lifelong commitment. Even after retirement, soldiers continue to be bound by the sense of duty and can still be called upon to serve the nation whenever their expertise is needed, he said.
“No soldier is ever off-duty even as I’m retired now,” Enenche said.
To illustrate his point, he said that if a senior military officer were to call him with an assignment, he would respond without hesitation even though he is no longer in active service.
“Even now if a senior officer calls me and says, ‘General Enenche, sir, we want you to…,’ “I would do it, even in retirement,” he added.
Enenche’s comments come as there are ongoing discussions on the need to improve the welfare, salaries, allowances and working conditions of members of the Nigerian Armed Forces. Security analysts and stakeholders have continued to contend that improved welfare packages would not only improve the morale of military personnel, but also enhance operational effectiveness in the fight against insurgency, banditry, kidnapping and other security threats facing the country.
