Florence Allor Abuja.
former Labour Party governorship aspirant in Edo State, Asha Okojie, has called for a comprehensive upgrade to military welfare, arguing that better support for service personnel will significantly boost the fight against insurgency.
In a statement responding to the Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (retd.), who announced that the minimum monthly salary for entry-level soldiers had been increased from N49,000 to N100,000, Okojie welcomed the increment. However, she stressed that the move must mark the start—rather than the conclusion—of a broader national dialogue on military welfare.
She stated:“The salary increase represents meaningful progress, and the Federal Government deserves recognition for taking this important step. However, it also raises a more fundamental question that deserves thoughtful national reflection. What does genuine military welfare look like in a nation that depends on its Armed Forces to preserve peace and security? “The answer extends far beyond monthly pay. Military welfare is not simply about salaries.
It encompasses comprehensive healthcare, mental health services, decent housing, educational opportunities for military children, family support programmes, modern equipment, professional development, timely pensions, rehabilitation for wounded personnel, survivor benefits, and the assurance that those who dedicate their lives to defending Nigeria will themselves be protected by the nation they serve.“Every day, members of Nigeria’s Armed Forces confront some of the country’s most complex security challenges.
They operate against terrorism, insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, piracy, oil theft, and other threats that endanger lives, economic stability and national development. Many serve for extended periods away from their families, often in difficult and dangerous environments where the risks are both physical and emotional.”Okojie, who is also a healthcare consultant and health information management professional, advocated policies that strengthen military families through quality housing, dependable healthcare, educational opportunities, childcare support, counselling services, and timely access to benefits.
She added:“I believe one of Nigeria’s greatest opportunities for military reform lies in strengthening healthcare. Modern military readiness depends upon healthy personnel who have access to preventive medicine, emergency and trauma care, rehabilitation services, specialist consultations, mental health support, and secure health information systems that ensure continuity of care throughout their careers and into retirement.
“Healthcare should, therefore, be viewed as a strategic national security investment rather than simply another line item in the national budget. Healthy service members are better prepared to carry out demanding assignments, recover from injuries, maintain operational readiness, and continue serving their country with professionalism and resilience.
“Nigeria also has an opportunity to modernise military healthcare through secure electronic health records, telemedicine, standardized Health Information Management practices, interoperable digital systems, and evidence-based quality improvement initiatives.“These reforms can improve efficiency, reduce administrative delays, strengthen clinical decision-making, and ensure that military personnel receive timely, coordinated care regardless of where they are deployed.”
