Soldiers Deployed to Gambia, Guinea-Bissau Cry Out Over Unpaid Allowances

Nigerian Soldiers Deployed to ECOWAS Mission Demand Unpaid Bonuses Amid Regional Stability Efforts.

Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters is embroiled in a controversy surrounding unpaid bonuses to over 200 soldiers deployed to Guinea-Bissau and Gambia as part of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) mission. Each soldier is entitled to a $950 monthly bonus from ECOWAS, totaling N9.2 million ($5,700) each, but they have only received three months’ worth of bonuses, leaving six months’ pay outstanding.

The ECOWAS Stabilization Support Mission aims to restore peace and stability in West African countries, with Senegal and Ghana joining Nigeria in deploying troops. However, Nigerian soldiers claim that despite the mission’s conclusion in June 2024, they have not received their due bonuses, sparking concerns about the government’s commitment to their welfare.

Affected soldiers expressed frustration, stating that soldiers from Senegal and other countries have received all their bonuses, while Nigerian personnel remain unpaid. They believe ECOWAS has paid the Defence Headquarters, but the funds have been withheld.

This incident is not an isolated one, as delays in paying soldiers’ allowances and salaries are common in Nigeria. The Nigerian Army recently confirmed that President Bola Tinubu’s government delayed paying August salaries and allowances. Soldiers have also complained about stagnant pay scales and lack of salary increments for several years.

 Key Facts:

– Number of Soldiers Deployed: 177 personnel to Guinea-Bissau and over 100 to Gambia
– Monthly Bonus: $950 per soldier from ECOWAS
– Total Unpaid Bonuses: N9.2 million ($5,700) each
– Duration of Deployment: June 2023 to June 2024

The Nigerian Army spokesperson, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, has been unreachable for comment, fueling concerns about the government’s transparency and accountability.