Remembrance Must Mean Responsibility: Nigeria Must Treat Its Soldiers Better
Updated on : Thursday, 15 January, 2026
Released on: Wednesday, 14 January, 2026
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As Nigeria marks the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day, the National Chairman of the BOOT Party calls on the Federal Government to move beyond ceremonial tributes and confront the real and persistent welfare challenges facing Nigerian soldiers and their families.
Today, we honour the courage of our fallen heroes who paid the ultimate price in defence of Nigeria's territorial integrity. We salute the men and women currently serving on the front lines, and we stand in solidarity with their families who share in the sacrifice. The BOOT Party wishes the Nigerian Armed Forces a solemn and respectful Remembrance Day.
However, remembrance without responsibility is hollow.
Nigeria's military history since independence reflects sacrifice under difficult circumstances, including long years of conflict, internal security breakdowns, and the devastating rise of terrorism. Over the past decade alone, thousands of Nigerian soldiers have lost their lives combating violent extremism fuelled by prolonged economic hardship, social dislocation, and governance failures. Their bravery is unquestionable; the treatment they receive in return is not always justifiable.
While Nigerians have witnessed improved momentum in counter-terrorism efforts since late 2025, following renewed leadership in the defence sector, progress on the battlefield must be matched with progress in barracks, hospitals, and soldiers' homes. Welfare remains the weakest link in Nigeria's defence architecture.
The BOOT Party identifies the following critical issues confronting military personnel and veterans:
• Delayed and unpaid pensions forcing retired soldiers into hardship
• Inadequate access to quality healthcare for serving and retired personnel
• Poor housing and living conditions for military families
• Insufficient mental health and trauma support for troops exposed to prolonged conflict
• Weak institutional support for families of fallen and injured soldiers
These are not privileges; they are obligations.
To address these failures, the BOOT Party calls on the Federal Government to urgently implement the following measures:
1. Clear all outstanding military pension arrears and digitise pension administration to ensure timely, transparent payments.
2. Increase and index military salaries and pensions to inflation to protect families from rising living costs.
3. Guarantee comprehensive healthcare coverage for serving personnel, veterans, and their dependents, including trauma and rehabilitation services.
4. Establish a National Veterans and Military Families Support Programme covering housing, education scholarships, and employment transition assistance.
5. Prioritise mental health services through dedicated counselling, reintegration, and family support units within the Armed Forces.
6. Improve barracks and family housing nationwide through transparent, audited infrastructure programmes.
7. Strengthen parliamentary oversight with an annual public report on military welfare and veterans' affairs.
A motivated, respected, and well-cared-for military is not a cost to the nation; it is an investment in national stability and security.
On this Remembrance Day, the BOOT Party reiterates its commitment to advocating for policies that place soldiers and their families at the centre of national defence planning. Nigeria must prove — not merely proclaim — that it values those who defend her.
Remembrance must mean responsibility.
Happy Armed Forces Remembrance Day to our gallant troops — past and present.
Yours sincerely,
@SonnyAdenuga
The BOOT Party is a cooperative-like political leadership system.
@TheBOOTParty
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