In a disturbing incident, a Nigerian soldier stationed in Maiduguri, Borno State, expressed frustration in a viral video about being unable to visit his family due to exorbitant transport fares on his N50,000 monthly salary.
The soldier revealed that after spending a year in the bush, he was granted a pass to see his family, but the N35,000 transport fare each way meant a total cost of N70,000, exceeding his monthly salary. The soldier, faced with financial constraints, announced his return to duty. Following the video, sources reported that the army detained the soldier for days, deeming the content embarrassing.
This incident sheds light on the financial struggles faced by Nigerian soldiers, as previously highlighted by Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Musa, who acknowledged monthly salaries below N50,000. Soldiers have consistently lamented poor conditions, inadequate equipment, and insufficient remuneration despite risking their lives.
