The Nigerian army The Nigerians Army has approved an increase in monthly ration allowance to soldiers.
The allowance was increased from N1,000 to N1,200 ($1.50), according a memo shared on social media.
The approval of the paltry increment was contained in a memo signed by Emmanuel Emekah, a major-general, on behalf of the chief of army staff, Taoreed Lagbaja. How the memo leaked on social media was unclear, but officers confirmed its authenticity.
The increment is necessitated by the hardship faced by troops following the removal of fuel subsidy by President Bola Tinubu, came on July 27, according to Sequel to the recent removal of fuel subsidy by the federal government of Nigeria, with its attendant rise in the prices of goods and services across the country, the COAS has graciously approved upward review of ration cash allowance of troops from N1,000 to N1,200 with effect from August 2023,” Mr Emekah said. While the allowance is separate from monthly salaries, soldiers have already started grumbling about the poor remuneration in the military.
the allowance is just too poor, they were expecting about N5,000 in ration allowance because their salaries are too low already.” Peoples Gazette quoted a lieutenant as saying.
“Most of them earn less than N70,000 per month,” the lieutenant added under anonymity to comment on internal brass decisions. A spokesman for the Nigerian Army did not immediately return a request seeking comments about the announcement.