Follow Us on Google
A former Director of Public Relations of the Nigerian Air Force, retired Air Vice Marshal Olatokunbo Adesanya, has welcomed the Federal Government’s recent salary increase for military personnel but argued that improving troop welfare requires far more than higher pay.
Speaking on ARISE News on Wednesday, Adesanya described the new salary structure approved by President Bola Tinubu as a significant milestone, saying it would boost morale, improve retention of experienced personnel and help reduce corruption within the armed forces.
However, he stressed that salaries represent only one aspect of a comprehensive welfare package needed to strengthen the military and enhance national security.
“Looking after the welfare of personnel is very, very important, but I dare say that the increase in salary is just a component of the welfare package,” he said.
Adesanya called for greater investment in military healthcare, education for the children of service personnel and housing, both during and after active service.
He said military hospitals should be equipped to provide world-class medical care, noting that personnel should not encounter broken diagnostic equipment such as MRI or CT scan machines when seeking treatment.
Other News
The retired officer also urged the government to improve access to education for military families, recalling that financial pressures, particularly school fees, distracted many troops during peacekeeping operations in Liberia and Sierra Leone.
He further advocated post-service housing schemes, describing accommodation after retirement as one of the biggest concerns among serving personnel.
Adesanya expressed confidence that the salary review marked the beginning of wider reforms, pointing to President Tinubu’s commitment to continue improving the welfare of members of the Armed Forces.
He also commended the government’s decision to implement the salary increase from September 1, 2026, saying it would avoid the financial burden associated with large arrears and reflected careful planning.
On security, Adesanya said Nigeria would need to recruit more military personnel to effectively tackle insurgency, banditry and other security threats, stressing that more “boots on the ground” would strengthen both internal security operations and the country’s ability to defend its territorial integrity.
