All Progressives Congress (APC) leader Osita Okechukwu stated that Nigeria must modernize its military approach, noting that wage increases for soldiers are insufficient to defeat terrorism and banditry without adopting cutting-edge warfare technology. While Okechukwu praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for raising military salaries and expanding the Army from eight to twelve divisions, he questioned the long-term fiscal impact of these decisions.
President Tinubu recently approved pay raises ranging from 30 to 80 percent for various military ranks. Okechukwu expressed concerns that these increases, implemented during a time of limited government funds and high debt, could lead to hyper-inflation and monetary instability. He warned that other public sector employees and paramilitary agencies will likely demand similar raises, further straining the national budget.
Instead of direct salary hikes, Okechukwu proposed that the government focus on improving the quality of life for service members through better healthcare, education, and affordable housing schemes. He pointed out that a large percentage of military personnel lack their own homes and that broader social investments would have a more positive economic impact.
Regarding the expansion of the Army, Okechukwu argued that numerical strength is secondary to technological advantage in modern combat. He emphasized that current warfare is dictated by drones, satellite tracking, cyber capabilities, and AI-driven intelligence rather than the sheer number of troops deployed to the field.
