A Nigerian-American soldier has shared advice for African immigrants in the United States, urging those between the ages of 17 and 42 who are physically fit to consider joining the military.
According to him, the benefits of military service far outweigh those of typical civilian jobs, offering opportunities for financial stability, travel, education, and career growth.
Why Nigerian immigrants should consider joining the US military
He said, “If you’re an immigrant from Africa, particularly Nigeria, and you have papers but you’re still doing shift or day-to-day jobs, you’re wasting your time. Join the military. It’ll give you citizenship, free medical, free education, gratuity, and pension. People retire at 38 or 45 and don’t have to work for the rest of their lives.”
The soldier emphasised that the military provides perks unmatched by civilian work, including allowances, travel opportunities, and career versatility.
“A job that will give you your base pay, feeding allowance, clothing allowance, housing allowance, and all kinds of allowances. A job you can become a cook today and a doctor tomorrow in the same job. No other job can give you that kind of life except the military,” he said.
Life-changing benefits of military service
He also highlighted the job security and competitive advantage that military service provides for immigrants.
“Whether government shutdown or anything is happening, our pay still constantly comes in. When you finish and start applying to other jobs, they’ll ask if you’ve served in the military or are a veteran, because companies get tax incentives to hire people who have worn this uniform. This is the only job that will give you that kind of life.”
He concluded by urging African immigrants to view military service as a strategic path to success.
“If you’re working daily jobs, the day you fall sick and cannot go, you’ll not be paid. Join the US military. It’ll give you what I call competitive advantage over other immigrants. When a citizen born here is talking and you talk, they’ll listen to you.”
Watch the video below…
“If You Are a Nigerian And a Legal Immigrant In The USA, This Information Is for You: A List Of Some Benefits Of The U.S. Military.” ~ American-Nigerian Soldier Says pic.twitter.com/PEGXBVVE2W
— Somto Okonkwo (@General_Somto) January 14, 2026