LunagisthubNigerian Soldiers’ Allowance Scandal: A Call for Government Intervention
A recent investigation has revealed that Nigerian soldiers deployed to combat Boko Haram terrorists in the North-East are being shortchanged on their monthly allowances. Despite the Federal Government approving N100,000 as Scarce Skills Allowance (SSA) for each soldier, they are only receiving N20,000.
The SSA was introduced in 2017 as part of welfare packages for military personnel. However, soldiers have been lamenting that they are not receiving their full entitlements, with some claiming that senior officers are diverting their allowances. The Nigerian Army has not addressed the issue despite repeated outcries from soldiers.
Soldiers have expressed frustration and anger over the situation, stating that they are risking their lives daily while senior officers allegedly divert their allowances. Many soldiers struggle to feed their families and pay school fees, and the shortfall in their allowances has further exacerbated their hardship.
This is not the first time soldiers have complained about underpayment. In 2021, SaharaReporters exposed a similar incident where soldiers were forced into a controversial Nigerian Army Welfare Housing Scheme, with deductions made from their salaries without consultation. Soldiers have called on the government to intervene and investigate the matter .
The soldiers are urging the government to take decisive action to address the issue and ensure that they receive their full entitlements. They believe that unless the government intervenes, the situation will continue to affect morale among the rank and file, weakening the fight against terrorism and banditry in Nigeria.Approved Allowance:N100,000 SSA approved by the Federal Government
Actual Payment: Soldiers receive only N20,000-N30,000
-Discrepancy: Senior officers allegedly diverting soldiers’ allowances
Soldiers risking lives daily while struggling to feed families and pay school fees
The government must take immediate action to address this issue and ensure that soldiers receive their full entitlements. The welfare of soldiers is crucial to the success of the fight against terrorism and banditry in Nigeria.
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