Tinubu to Announce Fresh Salary Increase for Armed Forces Personnel, Says Defence Minister

By Harriet Tornguvan 

The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd), has said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will soon announce a fresh salary increase for personnel of the Armed Forces of Nigeria as part of the Federal Government's commitment to improving troop welfare and rewarding their sacrifices in service to the nation.

Musa disclosed this in Abuja during a one day training and financial empowerment workshop organised for widows and wives of service personnel, where he reaffirmed the Ministry of Defence's commitment to policies and strategic partnerships aimed at enhancing the welfare of military personnel and their families.

The minister recalled that military salaries were increased from ₦49,000 to ₦100,000 during his tenure as Chief of Defence Staff, adding that efforts were already underway to secure another upward review.

"A few weeks ago, I mentioned that soldiers are now receiving ₦100,000. 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," he said.

Musa expressed confidence that President Tinubu would soon unveil a new salary package for members of the Armed Forces.

According to a statement issued by the Special Assistant (Media) to the Minister of Defence, Leah Katung Babatunde, the minister said the proposed salary review forms part of the government's sustained efforts to boost troop morale and improve the living conditions of military personnel.

Speaking on the theme of the workshop, "Renewed Hope for Families of the Armed Forces of Nigeria Through Entrepreneurship and Enterprise Development," Musa stressed that a strong military depends not only on modern equipment and well-trained personnel but also on the economic stability of the families of those serving.

He commended military spouses for their unwavering support, noting that their resilience enables service personnel to remain focused on their responsibilities, while also paying tribute to widows of fallen soldiers for their courage and perseverance.

The capacity building programme was organised by the Federal Ministry of Defence in partnership with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN).

Speaking at the event, the Director General of SMEDAN, Charles Odii, announced the disbursement of ₦25 million to 500 widows and wives of soldiers serving on the frontlines to support their businesses and entrepreneurial ventures.

Odii said the initiative is part of an ongoing nationwide programme designed to equip beneficiaries with financial knowledge, entrepreneurial skills and greater access to economic opportunities, thereby promoting financial inclusion and strengthening household livelihoods.

The event was attended by the wife of the Minister of Defence, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, Mr Richard Pheelangwa, senior ministry officials, SMEDAN development partners and other stakeholders.