In a move that has soldiers checking their bank accounts with cautious optimism, Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has approved an 80% pay increase for junior soldiers - their second raise in a month. The government calls it a sign of "deep appreciation" for troops battling the nation's formidable security challenges.

Starting in September, privates will see their monthly wages jump from $73 to $132. That's a significant bump from the $36 they were earning in July, before the defence minister doubled their pay. At this rate, by 2026 they might be able to afford a decent used car.

The raise is part of Tinubu's broader strategy to combat violence from Islamist militants, criminal kidnap gangs known as "bandits," and other armed groups. Last month, he ordered the recruitment of 28,000 extra soldiers and the creation of four new army divisions, which sounds like a lot until you consider the size of the country's problems.

Announcing the salary hikes, Tinubu praised the courage of armed forces members confronting "the scourge of banditry, kidnapping and terrorism." He added, "The men and women who help to keep us safe in our homes must be supported and appreciated in the course of their duties to our nation." Because nothing says appreciation like a salary that still wouldn't cover a decent London rent.

The president urged servicemen to "take our gesture as a sign of our deep appreciation," and expressed confidence that "together we shall prevail over the enemies intent on destroying the fabric of our nation." Let's hope the enemies are as impressed by the gesture as the troops are.

Successive Nigerian governments have struggled to contain insecurity despite increased military spending. Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (Iswap) continue to stage attacks in the north-east, while heavily armed criminal gangs loot and kidnap for ransom in the north-west and north-central regions. Add separatist unrest in the south-east and deadly farmer-herder clashes, and you've got a security situation that would make even the most seasoned crisis manager reach for a strong drink.

The pay raise will see the military's annual wage bill jump from $484m to $678m. Military expert Bashir Galma, a retired major general, told the BBC that this is "what we have been calling for a long time," though he expressed concern that future administrations might struggle to sustain such funding. That's a bit like applauding a diet plan that involves eating cake for every meal.

Serving personnel, ever the pragmatists, have said they'll reserve judgment until the new salaries actually appear in their bank accounts. Wise move, given that promises are cheap and cash is not.

Galma also argued that other security agencies should receive similar pay reviews, stressing that "keeping the country safe is a joint effort." He pointed out that beyond salaries, broader welfare issues need attention, including uniforms, boots, and - most critically - new rifles. Because apparently, fighting insurgencies with outdated equipment is less than ideal.

Tinubu has promised to continue prioritizing troop welfare and modernizing the armed forces with the weapons and technology needed to tackle security threats. Under his reforms, the army will now have 12 divisions spread across the country, ensuring better co-ordination, intelligence sharing, and faster response times. Let's hope the response times are faster than the salary processing times.

In related news, the ongoing insecurity has become a major political issue ahead of the 2027 elections. Because nothing says "we've got this" like a massive military expansion and a pay raise that still leaves soldiers struggling to make ends meet.