Isaac Fayose, a popular businessman and social commentator, stirred an internet debate by comparing military salaries in South Africa and Nigeria, exposing what he perceived as a large pay disparity between the two countries.
In a social media video, Fayose stated that soldiers in South Africa make far greater monthly earnings than Nigerian security forces, while serving on the same continent.
“Here in South Africa, minimum soldier’s salary is ₦2 million a month, but in Nigeria, soldier, naval and police salary is ₦2 million naira a year, in this same Africa. That’s why our soldiers behave the way they do in Nigeria,” he said.
Fayose asserted that pay disparities have an impact on morale and performance in Nigeria’s security services, implying that inadequate welfare contributes to behavioural disorders among soldiers.
It should also be noted that a few days ago, an ex-soldier known as ‘Soja Boy’, who was supposedly fired for encouraging politicians to send their children to the battle front, made some disturbing allegations.
He accused unjust treatment within the Nigerian military, alleging members receive approximately ₦109,000 monthly, a recent increase from ₦71,000.
Fayose’s remarks have rekindled arguments over military welfare, national security budget, and the treatment of security personnel throughout Africa.
Watch the video below;