Tinubu to Announce Fresh Salary Increase for Military Personnel Soon – Defence Minister

The Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (Rtd.), has said President Bola Tinubu will soon approve another salary increase for members of the Armed Forces as part of ongoing efforts to improve the welfare of military personnel.

According to Guardian Nigeria, Musa made the disclosure during a one-day training and financial empowerment workshop for widows and wives of service personnel held at Lungi Barracks in Abuja.

The Minister further added that, the Federal Government remains committed to rewarding the sacrifices of troops who continue to defend the country’s territorial integrity and tackle security threats across various theatres of operation.

He recalled that the monthly allowance for soldiers was increased from ₦49,000 to ₦100,000 following efforts initiated during his tenure as Chief of Defence Staff, adding that another upward review is now being considered.

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“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,” Musa said.

“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.”

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 forms part of the Federal Government’s broader efforts to improve the economic well-being of military families, particularly widows and spouses of non-commissioned officers serving in different operational areas across the country.

He noted that while military personnel continue to operate under difficult conditions and spend extended periods away from their families, their spouses and dependants play a critical role in sustaining their morale and commitment to duty.

“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.

The minister paid tribute to the spouses and widows of military personnel, describing their resilience and sacrifices as vital to the effectiveness of the Armed Forces.

“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 said.

Musa said the Federal Government was determined to provide military families with the skills and support needed to become financially independent through entrepreneurship.

According to him, strengthening the economic resilience of military families would also enhance the operational effectiveness of the Armed Forces.

“When military families are economically secure, they are better positioned to withstand the unique demands of military life. This gives service personnel the confidence that their loved ones are well supported, allowing them to concentrate fully on their operational responsibilities.

“Strengthening the economic resilience of military families is therefore an important investment in the effectiveness of our Armed Forces and the security of our nation,” he said.