The Nigerian Army has confirmed that its personnel are still awaiting payment of their August salaries and allowances.
In a memo obtained by SaharaReporters, the army authorities urged soldiers to exercise patience, assuring that efforts are underway to ensure prompt payment of their entitlements.
The memo, which was issued on Monday, stated that the salaries and non-regulatory allowances for August 24 have yet to be paid by the Federal Government. It also emphasized that the army is working hard to ensure that payments are made as soon as possible.
This development comes at a time when the Nigerian Army has been grappling with issues related to delayed payment of salaries and bonuses. In October 2022, some soldiers had complained about the delayed payment of their salaries and the lack of salary increments for over 10 years.
A senior army officer, who spoke with SaharaReporters, revealed that personnel in the lower cadre have been impoverished due to stagnant pay scales. According to him, junior soldiers earn as little as N50,000 per month, while some have been in service for over 12 years without any salary increase.
Another soldier corroborated these claims, stating that even those with 24 years of service like himself are not immune to the financial struggles. He revealed that his salary of N81,500 per month is not enough to cover his basic needs, let alone those of his family and relatives.
The soldier’s lamentations were echoed by other soldiers who spoke on condition of anonymity. They expressed frustration at the delays in payment of salaries, which often leaves them struggling to make ends meet. They also pointed out that their monthly salaries are among the lowest in the security sector.
The situation has left many soldiers feeling discouraged and demotivated, with some even questioning the fairness and effectiveness of the system. The Nigerian Army’s handling of these issues has come under scrutiny, with many calling for reforms to address the welfare concerns of its personnel.
In the meantime, the army authorities are urging soldiers to remain patient and assured that efforts are being made to address the issues. However, it remains to be seen whether these efforts will yield tangible results for the beleaguered soldiers who are waiting for their salaries and allowances.
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