A group of lawyers, under the aegis of the Coalition of Public Interests and Advocates (COPA), on Thursday for adequate remuneration for military personnel fighting to safeguard the country. They asserted that financial hardships should not burden these personnel.
In a press release signed by its National Coordinator, Pelumi Olajengbesi, COPA submitted that it was disheartening to witness a soldier, who had been valiantly fighting on behalf of the nation, facing challenges in accessing basic needs. Referring to a viral video depicting a dedicated soldier struggling with inadequate financial resources, the group of lawyers expressed concern over the prevailing issue of poor salary and welfare for soldiers on the war front in the country.
It stated that with a paltry N50,000 monthly, it was evident that soldiers were grappling with financial constraints hindering their ability to fulfill personal and family obligations.
“The Coalition of Public Interests Lawyers and Advocates (COPA) expresses deep concern over the prevailing issue of poor salary and welfare for soldiers on the war front in Nigeria.
Recent events, such as the viral video depicting a dedicated soldier struggling with inadequate financial resources, highlight the urgency of addressing this matter.
It is disheartening to witness a soldier, who has been valiantly fighting on behalf of the nation, facing challenges in accessing basic needs.
The incident at the motor park, where a soldier was confronted with exorbitant transport costs, is emblematic of the broader problem.
With a monthly salary of 50 thousand naira, it becomes evident that our brave soldiers are grappling with financial constraints that hinder their ability to fulfill personal and family obligations,” COPA stated.
The coalition, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting justice, human rights, and the rule of law in Nigeria, then called on the Nigerian Army to prioritize the welfare of its personnel, ensuring that they receive competitive salaries and necessary allowances.
According to the group, a well-compensated and motivated military is essential for the success and sustainability of the fight against terrorism.
“COPA acknowledges the sacrifices made by the Nigerian Army in the ongoing battle against terrorism. However, we emphasize that sustaining this crucial engagement requires adequate remuneration for the men and women in uniform.
A soldier, entrusted with the responsibility of safeguarding the nation, should not be burdened by financial hardships that compromise their effectiveness on the field.
We call upon the Nigerian Army to prioritize the welfare of its personnel, ensuring that they receive competitive salaries and necessary allowances.
Adequate arrangements must be made to facilitate soldiers’ travel, enabling them to reconnect with their families without undue financial strain. A well-compensated and motivated military is essential for the success and sustainability of the fight against terrorism,” it stated.
COPA then encourages the Army to remain steadfast in its commitment to counter-terrorism on all fronts.
It, however, emphasized that “true success in this endeavour can only be achieved when our soldiers are provided with the financial support they deserve.”
