Military personnel lament delayed salaries, allowances under Tinubu amid war against insurgency
Some military personnel have expressed concern over the persistent delay in the payment of their salaries and allowances, urging President Bola Tinubu to give urgent attention to the welfare of members of the Armed Forces.
The personnel, who spoke anonymously, said the welfare of military officers and men should be prioritised, particularly at a time when they were engaged in various security operations across the country.
They identified the delayed allowances as staff grant, feeding otherwise known as Ration Cash Allowance (RCA), housing or rent subsidy, hazard, qualification, professional, diving for NN personnel, Operations and Running cost, that is overhead for the Armed Forces.
According to them, timely payment of salaries and allowances remains a key morale booster and should not be treated with levity.
They noted that beyond remuneration, government should also pay greater attention to the housing needs and general welfare of service personnel.
According to them, the delay in the payment of allowances had dampened their motivation and zeal in the ongoing war against insurgents and bandits.
One of the officers alleged that delays in salary payments had become frequent under the current administration, a development he described as unprecedented since the return to democratic rule in 1999.
He said: “As of Monday, June 15, 2026, many personnel were still expecting the payment of their May salaries and allowances. This situation is not good for morale and could have implications for operational efficiency if not addressed promptly.
“Sincerely speaking since the advent of Democracy, President Tinubu is the first president that has been delaying the payment of salaries and allowances to the personnel. No President dead or alive ever tried this. He needs to do something fast about it because that is very demoralising and could affect the operations of the military”.
The officer recalled that in previous administrations, salaries and allowances were usually paid on or before the end of every month, adding that delays extending into the second week of a new month were uncommon.
He said: “The previous regimes understand the implications of delayed remuneration better, and never tried it. But under Tinubu delayed payment of salaries and allowances to the Military has become a norm.
“Honestly he needs to do something fast about it Not too good for him to allow such sad aberration to continue. Before now Military men are paid salaries and allowances on or before 30th of every month but under President Tinubu, the earliest is 7th of the succeeding month, some months salaries and allowances are paid on 12th of succeeding months. Imagine Military personnel still expecting their May Salaries and Allowances as at today Mon 15 Jun 26.”
He appealed to the Federal Government to take immediate steps to address the issue, stressing that prompt remuneration is critical to maintaining the commitment and effectiveness of troops serving in different parts of the country.
The military personnel urged the President to intervene and ensure that the welfare of officers and men received the attention it deserves.
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