Nigeria's president orders a 80% salary increase for junior soldiers
The announcement comes as Nigeria's security forces struggle to contain multiple threats.
Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has announced an 80% salary increase for junior soldiers, marking the second pay raise in a month for the armed forces. The new monthly wage of $132 will take effect from September, up from $73 in July. This significant increase is part of Tinubu's efforts to combat security threats posed by various armed groups, including Islamist militants, kidnapping gangs, and separatists.
The salary hikes come as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 elections, with insecurity being a major political concern. The president praised the courage and sacrifices of the armed forces personnel, urging them to consider the gesture as a sign of deep appreciation for their services to the nation. The move aims to support the country's largest military expansion in recent times, with the annual wage bill expected to rise from $484 million to $678 million.
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