We Only Receive ₦20,000 From ₦100,000 Allowance – Nigerian Soldiers Fighting Boko Haram
Fresh reports indicate that Nigerian soldiers deployed in the North-East for counter-insurgency operations against Boko Haram are receiving only ₦20,000 monthly from the ₦100,000 Scarce Skills Allowance (SSA) approved by the Federal Government.
The SSA, introduced in November 2017 under the Manual of Financial Administration for the Armed Forces of Nigeria (MAFA) during former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, was meant to provide ₦100,000 monthly to all military personnel, regardless of rank.
However, soldiers told SaharaReporters that despite the approval, they continue to receive only ₦20,000 to ₦30,000, a situation they say began under former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (retd.).
“Yes, the Federal Government approved ₦100,000 per soldier, but we only receive ₦20,000,” one soldier said. “The Air Force recently raised theirs to ₦50,000, but the Army has refused.”
The soldiers also alleged that other entitlements—including uniform and boot allowances—have not been paid. In 2021, similar accusations of diversion of funds were raised against the Army leadership.
Currently, privates to corporals reportedly get ₦20,000, sergeants and staff sergeants ₦25,000, while warrant officers receive ₦30,000—far below the approved sum.
The aggrieved troops are now urging President Bola Tinubu to order anti-corruption agencies such as the EFCC and ICPC to investigate the alleged diversion of their welfare funds.
