Nigerian Army Confirms Delay in Payment of August Salaries, Begs Troops for Patience Amid Growing Concerns
The Nigerian Army has confirmed that the President Bola Tinubu-led government has failed to pay its personnel their August salaries and allowances, sparking widespread concerns among troops and raising questions about the government’s commitment to their welfare.
In a memo obtained by SaharaReporters on Monday, the army authorities urged soldiers to exercise patience, assuring them that efforts are ongoing to ensure prompt payment of their entitlements. However, the delay has already caused significant hardship for many soldiers, who rely on their salaries to support themselves and their families.
This is not the first time Nigerian soldiers have experienced delayed payment of salaries and bonuses. In October 2022, some soldiers lamented the delayed payment of their salaries, which had not been incremented for over 10 years. An army Sergeant alleged that army authorities had impoverished personnel in the lower cadre with no increment in their salaries for years, with some enduring up to 12 years of stagnant pay.
The delay in payment has raised concerns about the government’s ability to meet its financial obligations to its military personnel. It has also sparked fears about the potential impact on morale and the ability of troops to perform their duties effectively.
The Nigerian Army has a history of facing challenges related to payment of salaries and allowances. In 2020, soldiers protested over unpaid allowances and poor working conditions. The current delay in payment has reignited concerns about the government’s commitment to addressing these issues.
The government has yet to comment on the delay in payment, but the Nigerian Army has assured troops that efforts are being made to resolve the issue as soon as possible. However, for many soldiers, the delay has already caused significant hardship, and they are eagerly awaiting payment of their entitlements.
