FG Moves to Raise Salaries of Nigerian Soldiers, Reveals Plan

The Federal Government has disclosed plans to further increase the salaries of Nigerian soldiers, with President Bola Tinubu expected to make an official announcement in the coming weeks.

Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, revealed the development on Monday during a training and financial empowerment workshop for widows and wives of military personnel held at Lungi Barracks in Abuja.

The minister said the proposed salary review forms part of ongoing efforts by the Tinubu administration to improve the welfare of members of the Armed Forces and recognise the sacrifices they make in protecting the country.

According to him, the government remains committed to ensuring that military personnel are adequately compensated for the risks they face while defending Nigeria against various security threats.

Speaking at the event, Musa recalled that soldiers’ monthly pay had previously been increased from ₦49,000 to ₦100,000, following efforts to improve conditions for troops.

“I want to state here that a few weeks ago, I mentioned that soldiers are now receiving ₦100,000, and I know that generated both positive and negative reactions,” he said.

“When I was chief of defence staff, soldiers were receiving N49,000. About two years ago, I pushed for an increase to N100,000, and that was achieved.

“We are, however, making further efforts to increase it again. We know our President is a listening father who understands the sacrifices our troops are making and is committed to ensuring they are well remunerated. So, I am confident that very soon, Mr. President will announce another salary increase for our men.”

The minister noted that welfare remained a key pillar of military effectiveness, stressing that personnel serving in difficult operational environments deserve adequate support from the government.

He said many soldiers spend long periods away from their families while carrying out operations across different parts of the country, often under challenging conditions.

According to him, government support should not be limited to serving personnel alone but should also extend to their families, particularly widows and spouses who continue to make sacrifices on the home front.

The workshop, themed “Renewed Hope for Families of the Armed Forces of Nigeria Through Entrepreneurship and Enterprise Development,” was organised by the Ministry of Defence in partnership with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN).

General Musa said the programme was designed to strengthen the economic capacity of military families and provide them with opportunities to build sustainable sources of income.

He described military spouses as critical partners in national security, noting that their support allows serving personnel to remain focused on their duties.

“Every day, our personnel confront complex security challenges in defence of Nigeria’s sovereignty and the protection of the lives and property of our citizens.

“Many serve in difficult operational environments, separated from their families for extended periods and exposed to considerable risks. While their courage and sacrifice are rightly celebrated, we must equally recognise the invaluable role played by the families who stand firmly behind them,” he said.

Addressing widows and wives of soldiers at the event, the minister praised their resilience and commitment despite the challenges associated with military service.

“To the spouses gathered here today, your resilience, patience and steadfast support give your loved ones the confidence to remain focused on their responsibilities.

“To our widows whose husbands served Nigeria with honour and distinction, your strength and perseverance in the face of loss remain an enduring source of inspiration,” he added.

He further stated that a strong military is built not only on weapons and personnel but also on stable and economically secure families.

According to him, improving the financial wellbeing of military households would ultimately enhance operational efficiency and strengthen national security.

Also speaking, the Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of SMEDAN, Charles Odii, announced that the agency had disbursed ₦25 million to 500 widows and wives of soldiers currently serving in operational theatres across the country.

Odii said the intervention was aimed at helping beneficiaries establish and expand small businesses while improving their economic independence.

He explained that the initiative aligns with President Tinubu’s broader economic agenda focused on supporting entrepreneurship and small-scale enterprises.

According to him, the President had earlier approved a ₦200 billion intervention fund to boost businesses across the country and create opportunities for Nigerians.