“South African earn ₦2m monthly, Nigerians earn ₦2m yearly” – Isaac Fayose’s military salary claim sparks debate
Popular businessman and social commentator Isaac Fayose has sparked conversations online after comparing military salaries in South Africa and Nigeria, highlighting what he described as a significant pay gap between both countries.
In a video circulating on social media, Fayose claimed that soldiers in South Africa earn far higher monthly wages, while Nigerian security personnel receive much lower annual pay despite operating within the same continent.
“Here in South Africa, minimum soldier’s salary is ₦2 million a month, but in Nigeria, soldier, naval and police salary is ₦2 million naira a year, in this same Africa. That’s why our soldiers behave the way they do in Nigeria,” he said.
Fayose argued that the disparity in remuneration affects morale and performance within Nigeria’s security forces, suggesting that poor welfare contributes to behavioural issues among personnel.
It will also be recalled that a few days ago, an ex-soldier known as ‘Soja Boy’, who was reportedly dismissed for urging politicians to send their children to the war front, made some shocking revelations.
He spoke about alleged unfair treatment within the Nigerian military, claiming personnel earn about ₦109,000 monthly, an amount he said was recently increased from ₦71,000.
Fayose’s comments have since reignited debates around military welfare, national security funding, and the treatment of security personnel across Africa.
Watch the video below…
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