Some Nigerian soldiers serving on the frontline have lambasted the Federal Government over what they describe as poor welfare and neglect, following President Bola Tinubu’s recent cash and housing rewards to the Super Falcons.
In a now-trending video seen by First Daily correspondent on Friday, soldiers were seen in an undisclosed remote location, living in makeshift shelters made entirely of dried grass.
Mats were spread directly on the bare ground, surrounded by thick bushes.
Visibly frustrated, the soldiers spoke in Pidgin English, questioning the government’s priorities.
“Tinubu, you get mind. See wetin men of the Nigerian Army dey face. You get mind pay footballers almost 150 million. See where men of the Nigerian Army dey sleep.
“See wetin we dey do. See where we dey sleep. This one na live be this?”
“How you want make I survive with ₦1,000? You no even get mind say you go increase Army salary and welfare.
They disclosed that private soldiers earn about ₦200,000 monthly, while corporals receive between ₦250,000 and ₦300,000.
“Private Army officers dey collect like ₦200,000. Last Corporal dey collect like ₦250,000 to ₦300,000 monthly,” one soldier explained.
“See where we dey sleep. See bush everywhere. We no be prisoners,” another added.
One soldier also voiced frustration over the lack of appreciation for their sacrifices, “If we talk, dem go say, who send you go join soldier? If I tell you say we don sacrifice ourselves for Nigeria, you go still feel say this na stinginess? Stinginess wey dey hide peel dey remit am outside.”
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The backlash follows President Tinubu’s reception for the Super Falcons at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, where he rewarded each player with $100,000 (about ₦150 million in total) and a three-bedroom house for winning the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
The team had come from behind to beat Morocco 3–2 in the final, clinching their 10th continental title. Technical crew members each received $50,000 and similar homes.
“You have demonstrated an indomitable spirit of resilience, determination, and courage.
“This victory couldn’t have been more historic,” Tinubu said during the ceremony.
In response to public criticism, the Presidency defended the gesture.
“President Tinubu has rewarded excellence, creativity, hard work, soccer artistry and the undying Nigerian spirit,” said Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy.
“When you remember that Multichoice, the organiser of BBNaija, is offering the winner ₦150 million, you wonder why some Nigerians are unappreciative of President Tinubu’s rewards to the Super Falcons,” he added.
