Group Captain Sadeeq Shehu, a retired Nigerian Air Force spokesperson, has stated that military personnel in the country are currently receiving insufficient compensation. During an interview on Arise Television’s Morning Show, Shehu argued that the standard salary of N100,000 fails to account for current economic realities.
Shehu emphasized that global best practices require regular salary reviews to keep pace with inflation. However, he clarified that financial remuneration is only part of the solution. According to the former officer, true motivation for soldiers requires a holistic approach to welfare. He highlighted that soldiers often endure extended deployments, sometimes serving for years without a break, which negatively impacts their morale. He advocated for a rotational system that allows troops to return to their families after a defined period in combat zones.
Furthermore, Shehu pointed to the importance of institutional support, such as immediate medical evacuation via helicopter for wounded personnel and the government-funded provision of personal protective gear and equipment. He stressed that soldiers should never be forced to use their personal income to purchase uniforms or combat equipment.
