Improved Welfare Packages for the Military: A Necessity, by Mukhtar Ya’u Madobi

Improved Welfare Packages for the Military: A Necessity

By Mukhtar Ya’u Madobi

Nigeria’s military stands as a vital shield against a multitude of security threats. From Boko Haram’s insurgency to rampant kidnapping and other forms of violent crime, our troops face constant challenges.

In this critical landscape, ensuring the well-being of our soldiers is not just a moral imperative; it is a strategic necessity. Recent pronouncements by the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. General Taoreed Lagbaja, regarding retirement homes for frontline troops and the Chief of Defence Staff’s (CDS) General Christopher Gwabin Musa’s commitment to prioritising troop welfare offer a positive step.

This contrasts with some of the distressing news that was heard during this year’s Armed Forces Remembrance Day earlier in the year. The widows of some of the soldiers who died in the line of duty had disclosed then, among others, that the children of such officers who could not gain admission to higher institutions after 18 years of age automatically forfeited the scholarship that such children were entitled to by the military.

However, the gestures should go beyond building a retirement home; a comprehensive approach to welfare packages is needed to truly bolster morale and effectiveness in the fight against criminality by the gallant troops.

Soldiers risking their lives for our safety deserve more than just platitudes. Years of underinvestment in troop welfare have demonstrably impacted morale. Reports of inadequate living conditions, delayed salaries, and insufficient equipment are not uncommon. Such neglect breeds frustration and hinders focus on the mission at hand. A soldier worried about their family’s well-being or struggling to afford basic necessities is less likely to perform at their peak.

It is bad enough for people to lose their loved ones, however; it even adds more salt to the injury for their families to be evacuated unceremoniously from their official quarters without compassion or compunction after death or exit from service.

It is particularly against this depressing background that the initiatives of the Nigerian Army to raise the bar in terms of welfare for the soldiers were welcomed with accolades from all quarters.

The Army Chief, Gen. Lagbaja, unveiled the good news at the opening of the First Quarter Chief of Army Staff Conference 2024 in Abuja on Tuesday, April 16, as part of the Nigerian Army’s new welfare initiatives to boost the morale of the soldiers. Lagbaja also said that premiums paid to beneficiaries of various insurance schemes to cater for troops’ dependents in any eventuality have been doubled, without any corresponding increase in the soldiers’ contributions.

It is essential that improved welfare packages extend beyond active service. Initiatives like the planned retirement homes for frontline troops, as announced by General Lagbaja, are a welcome move. Providing dignified post-service housing offers not just a roof over their heads but a tangible reward for their sacrifices. Expanding educational opportunities for veterans and their families allows them to contribute meaningfully to society after retirement.

The well-being of a soldier’s family directly impacts their morale. Improved healthcare benefits for dependents, access to quality education for their children, and financial security through better insurance schemes all contribute to a soldier’s peace of mind, allowing them to focus on their duties.

On the other hand, troops deserve to be equipped with the latest weaponry, communication technology, and protective gear in order to enhance their capacity to confront non-state actors.  Obsolete equipment not only puts them at a disadvantage but also undermines their confidence. Similarly, regular training programmes utilising contemporary warfare techniques ensure their skills stay sharp and adaptable.

Investing in troop welfare is not just about individual well-being; it is about national security, as they always safeguard the territorial integrity of the country against any forms of external or internal incursion. A well-equipped, well-trained, and well-looked-after military is a more effective military.  Improved morale translates into a more cohesive fighting force, more motivated to root out criminality and safeguard Nigeria’s territorial integrity. The benefits transcend the battlefield, fostering a sense of security and stability that allows for economic growth and development.

Beyond material improvements, fostering a culture of trust and open communication between the military leadership and the rank-and-file is crucial. Soldiers treated with respect and dignity are more likely to buy into the mission and report issues that might hinder performance. Furthermore, increased transparency regarding career progression and benefits can alleviate anxieties and build trust within the ranks.

The responsibility for ensuring soldier well-being doesn’t solely lie with the military leadership. The Nigerian public must also play its part. Active support for veterans’ organisations, advocating for increased military funding, and generally expressing gratitude for the sacrifices made by our troops all contribute to a more supportive environment.

Nigeria’s security challenges are complex and multifaceted. However, a well-cared-for and motivated military stands as the bedrock of national defense.  By prioritising troop welfare through a comprehensive package that addresses not just material needs but also future security and family well-being, we can empower our soldiers to fight with courage and confidence. This, in turn, paves the way for a more secure and peaceful Nigeria for all.
 
Mukhtar Ya’u Madobi, an NDA research student, is the author of “National Security Strategies: A Young Writer’s Perspective.” Email: [email protected]