Popular businessman and social commentator Isaac Fayose has stirred widespread reactions online after making controversial claims about the salary differences between military personnel in Nigeria and South Africa.
Salary Comparison Goes Viral
In a video circulating on social media, Fayose alleged that soldiers in South Africa earn significantly higher wages compared to their Nigerian counterparts.
“Here in South Africa, minimum soldier’s salary is ₦2 million a month, but in Nigeria, soldier, naval and police salary is ₦2 million a year,” he claimed.
He further suggested that such disparities could affect morale and performance among security personnel in Nigeria.
Link to Security Challenges
Fayose argued that poor remuneration may contribute to challenges within Nigeria’s security system, adding that better welfare could improve discipline and efficiency among personnel.
His comments have since triggered heated discussions across social media platforms.
Wider Military Welfare Debate
The conversation also ties into ongoing concerns about military welfare in Nigeria. Recently, a former soldier known as ‘Soja Boy’ made similar claims about low pay within the Nigerian military, alleging that personnel earn around ₦109,000 monthly.
Such revelations have continued to fuel public debate about security funding, welfare, and working conditions for armed forces across the region.
Public Reactions
Fayose’s statement has divided opinions online—while some users support his call for improved welfare, others question the accuracy of the figures shared.
As discussions continue, the issue of military compensation remains a sensitive and widely debated topic in Nigeria’s broader conversation on national security.
In South Africa 🇿🇦, Army salary is minimum 2 million naira per month but in Nigeria 🇳🇬 security forces officers earn 2 million per year.
~ Isaac Fayose says pic.twitter.com/H6ULB5XvuQ
— Nigeria Stories (@NigeriaStories) April 12, 2026
