President Muhammadu Buhari, on 15 January, commemorated the 2023 Armed Forces Remembrance Day with the laying of wreaths at the National Arcade in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.
Armed Forces Remembrance Day is a day set aside to commemorate the servicemen of the Nigerian Armed Forces.
While it is okay to commemorate the day, questions should be raised on the welfare of the armed forces personnel who are still in service, and the welfare of the families of fallen soldiers.
How are the soldiers with special needs, widows and children of those killed during service being treated?
Based on impeccable findings, many soldiers who are still on the battlegrounds are not properly catered for in terms of welfare.
Asides from not getting adequate equipment, there have been reports of food rationing, alongside delays in salary payment for soldiers.
A 2022 investigative report by Sahara Reporters revealed that the monthly salaries of army personnel were among the lowest in the security personnel.
The report further revealed that the least personnel in the Nigerian army receives around N50,000, and feeding has become difficult for their families.
According to the investigation, soldiers have gone ten to 15 years without salary increments or benefits.
For over ten years now, the Nigerian armed forces have been waging a searing war against terrorists and, as a result, a lot of gallant soldiers have been wounded and killed.
Reports in times past have also indicated the use of outdated weapons and equipment by our soldiers on the battlefield, which has added to the number of casualties.
In August 2022, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya, said the welfare of soldiers was paramount to encouraging effective service to the nation.
It is not enough to pay lip service to the welfare of soldiers; they deserve to be honoured while alive and serving their country.
The federal government and the military need to do all it takes to ensure that the soldiers still on the line of duty are properly taken care of.
Also, those who have been wounded should be given proper medical care to make sure they are not incapacitated for life.
Most importantly, the widows and families of fallen heroes should be properly provided for, instead of being left to be impoverished.
The Department of Army Administration (DOAA), which deals with the administration, welfare, discipline, employment and development of all human resources in the Nigerian army, should look into issues of concern as regards the welfare of soldiers on the field.
Photo source: Hussaina Muhammad/VOA
