Dismissed soldier Rotimi Olamilekan has alleged that personnel of the Nigerian Army buy their own uniforms and protective gear despite low salaries, claims the military says it will address in an official statement.
A dismissed Nigerian soldier, Rotimi Olamilekan, popularly known as Soja Boi, has alleged that personnel of the Nigerian Army purchase their own uniforms and protective equipment despite earning modest salaries. Speaking in a yet-to-be-released interview on the Honest Brunch Podcast with activist Omoyele Sowore, the former lance corporal said soldiers often spend personal funds on basic gear while serving in conflict zones.
Olamilekan said his last salary before dismissal was between N109,000 and N111,000, noting it was previously N51,000 before a pay increase last year. “As a soldier, like presently now (Before he was dismissed in March), them dey pay me… N109,000 or N111,000. But before that… N51,000,” he said. He added that living on earlier earnings was extremely difficult, saying, “The suffer, suffer no be small.”
He further claimed soldiers buy their own uniforms and boots, sometimes costing more than a month’s salary, and rarely receive protective gear. “The uniform is about N55,000… The boots, sometimes N60,000 for one pair of boots,” he said, adding, “I swear, nobody will give you.” Army spokesperson Appolonia Anaele said an official response would be issued regarding the allegations.
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