A Nigerian soldier has stirred intense reactions online after openly revealing how much he earns in the army — and Nigerians are shocked by the figures.
In a viral video shared on TikTok by @vodina, the soldier stated that his monthly salary is just ₦150,000, despite spending many years in service.
According to him, new recruits begin with a salary of ₦104,000, with small increments added as they gain more experience and rank.
He explained the progression:
•New Recruit: ₦104,000
•5 Years in Service: ₦112,000
•10 Years (Corporal Rank): ₦115,000
•15 Years: ₦125,000
•20 Years: ₦150,000
He added that although some allowances exist depending on deployment or location, the overall take-home pay remains “barely enough” to survive Nigeria’s rising cost of living.
The revelation quickly went viral, sparking outrage across social media. Many Nigerians expressed shock at how little soldiers earn despite risking their lives daily to protect the nation.
One user wrote:
“This is pure wickedness. After risking your life for years, this is the best they can pay you?”
Another commented:
“Even private sector workers make more than that. This is very sad!”
While some people questioned the accuracy of the figures, others insisted that the conversation highlights the need for improved welfare, hazard pay, and better support for military personnel.
The soldier’s disclosure has now ignited a trending debate on the state of salaries in the Nigerian Armed Forces.
Watch video below…
“How much do soldiers really earn?” — A Nigerian soldier has now explained their monthly salary structure 👀
— NaijaWide Media (@Naijawide01) December 3, 2025
