The Nigerian Army has officially confirmed a delay in the payment of August 2024 salaries and allowances for its personnel, causing widespread concern among soldiers and their families. This unusual situation has prompted the Army authorities to issue a memo urging troops to remain patient as efforts are being made to ensure prompt payment.

Official Statement from the Nigerian Army

According to the memo, which was obtained by SaharaReporters, the delay is attributed to issues on the part of the Federal Government, specifically under the administration of President Bola Tinubu. The memo emphasized that measures are currently being put in place to address the delay as quickly as possible. It stated:

“The payment of August 2024 salaries and allowances is yet to be made by the Federal Government. Efforts are ongoing to ensure payment is effected as soon as possible. Troops are requested to remain patient. Please treat this matter as urgent and act accordingly.”

This official communication reflects the Army’s acknowledgment of the situation and its appeal for understanding and patience from its personnel.

Historical Context: Is This a Recurring Issue?

The delay in salary payments within the Nigerian Army is not a frequent occurrence, making this situation particularly concerning for many soldiers. Historically, the Nigerian Army has been prompt in disbursing salaries and allowances, which makes this delay stand out as an anomaly.

However, this is not the first time soldiers have faced financial uncertainty. In October 2022, some soldiers expressed their frustrations over similar issues, highlighting long-standing concerns about stagnant pay and delayed payments. According to reports, some personnel had not seen any significant increase in their salaries for over a decade, with some lower-ranking soldiers earning as little as N50,000 per month.

Financial Strain on Soldiers and Their Families

The impact of delayed salaries extends beyond the soldiers themselves, affecting their families and dependents as well. With the cost of living on the rise and economic pressures mounting, many soldiers have reported difficulty in providing for their families. This financial strain is particularly challenging for those in the lower ranks, who have already been dealing with stagnant wages for years.

One Army sergeant, speaking anonymously, alleged that the Army authorities had left lower-ranking personnel financially disadvantaged, with no salary increments for years. He mentioned that some soldiers had endured up to 12 years without a pay rise, exacerbating their financial difficulties.

He said; “Honestly we the junior ranks in the Nigerian Army are dying in silence; for over 12 to 13 years; no salary increment, and we are seriously working without any benefit from our superior officers.

“Even our salary is always delayed without any reasons. No soldier has collected salary of September yet.

“Our monthly salary amongst the securities personnel; the army is the lowest for the junior one, honestly we need help.

“Things are not going well with us, our salary is not enough even to pay for school pees plus feeding your families and relative.

“I’m a Sergeant with 24 years In service and my salary is N81,500, while police constable receive N84,000 monthly as salary.” 

“A Private soldier is entitled to N50,000 as salary monthly; even a warrant officer in the army gets N92,000 while colleagues in the Nigerian civil defence collect N96,000 monthly as salary. Honestly I’m completely discouraged in the system,” another soldier lamented.

The Broader Implications

The delay in salary payments not only affects the financial stability of soldiers but also has broader implications for morale within the ranks. The Nigerian Army, like any military force, relies on the discipline and dedication of its personnel. When financial concerns start to interfere with soldiers’ ability to focus on their duties, it can potentially impact the effectiveness and readiness of the force.

Furthermore, this situation highlights the need for more consistent and transparent communication between the government and military personnel regarding financial matters. Ensuring that soldiers are paid on time is not just a matter of financial management; it is also crucial for maintaining trust and morale within the military.

The Nigerian Army has assured its personnel that the current delay is being addressed and that payments will be made as soon as possible.

As soldiers await their overdue salaries, the hope is that this incident will prompt a broader review of the financial policies affecting the military, ensuring that such delays do not become a recurring issue in the future.