Soldiers’ Salary Increase Coming Soon, Minister Assures Nigerians

The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (retd.), has revealed that President Bola Tinubu is set to announce another salary increase for members of the Nigerian Armed Forces as part of efforts by the Federal Government to improve the welfare of military personnel.

According to Ireporter Online, Musa made the disclosure during a one-day training and financial empowerment workshop organised for widows and wives of service members at Lungi Barracks, Abuja.

The Defence Minister said the move was aimed at recognising the sacrifices of troops who continue to protect the nation amid various security challenges.

Musa explained that the government had remained committed to ensuring that soldiers receive improved remuneration and better welfare packages.

He recalled that when he served as Chief of Defence Staff, efforts were made to increase soldiers’ monthly allowance from ₦49,000 to ₦100,000, adding that further improvements were already being considered.

“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.

“When I was Chief of Defence Staff, soldiers were receiving ₦49,000. About two years ago, I pushed for an increase to ₦100,000, 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,” Musa said.

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).

Musa said the initiative was part of the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening the economic stability of military families, particularly widows and spouses of non-commissioned officers serving in different operational areas.

He noted that while military personnel continue to face dangerous security operations and spend extended periods away from their families, their loved ones play a vital role in supporting their morale and effectiveness.

The minister praised the resilience of military spouses and widows, describing their support and sacrifices as essential to the success of the Armed Forces.

He stressed that a strong military depends not only on skilled personnel and modern equipment but also on financially stable families who provide support for service members.

According to him, improving the economic well-being of military families would allow troops to remain focused on their duties, knowing their dependants are adequately supported.

Musa added that the entrepreneurship programme was designed to equip participants with business skills that would help them establish sustainable ventures, generate income and contribute to Nigeria’s economic growth.