President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is expected to announce a fresh upward review of military salaries in the coming weeks, according to the Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa.

The minister said the planned increase is part of the Federal Government’s broader effort to improve the welfare of members of the Armed Forces and acknowledge the risks they face in defending the country.

Speaking on Monday in Abuja during a training and empowerment programme for widows and wives of military personnel, Musa said the administration had already increased soldiers’ earnings from about ₦49,000 to ₦100,000 and was now pursuing another review.

The previous minimum monthly pay of about ₦49,000 had for years been criticised by serving and retired military personnel as inadequate to meet basic living expenses, particularly amid persistent inflation, rising transport fares and soaring food prices.

Labour and security analysts also argued that the remuneration compared poorly with the risks faced by troops deployed in counter insurgency, anti banditry and other internal security operations.

Although the increase to ₦100,000 represented a significant improvement over the previous pay, economists note that Nigeria’s high inflation has continued to erode purchasing power.

Since the salary adjustment, the prices of essential food items, transportation, housing and utilities have remained elevated, meaning the amount offers considerably less real value than it would have a few years ago.

This has fueled renewed calls for periodic salary reviews for military personnel in line with prevailing economic realities.

But according to Musa, “We are making further efforts to increase it again,” he said.

“I am confident that very soon Mr President will announce another salary increase for our men”, he added.

Musa noted that the earlier adjustment had generated mixed reactions but insisted that improving troop welfare remains a priority of the Tinubu administration.

The minister linked the planned pay rise to the sacrifices being made by personnel deployed in various operational theatres across the country, many of whom spend long periods away from their families.

“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,” he said.

“Many serve in difficult operational environments, separated from their families for extended periods and exposed to considerable risks.”

The event, organised by the Ministry of Defence in collaboration with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria, focused on entrepreneurship and enterprise development for military families.

Musa said the government recognises that the effectiveness of the Armed Forces depends not only on equipment and personnel, but also on the stability of the families supporting them.

“When military families are economically secure, they are better positioned to withstand the unique demands of military life,” he said.

“This gives service personnel the confidence that their loved ones are well supported, allowing them to concentrate fully on their operational responsibilities.”

He paid tribute to military spouses and widows, describing their resilience and support as critical to maintaining the morale of serving personnel.

“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,” the minister added.

During the programme, the Director General of SMEDAN, Charles Odii, announced the disbursement of ₦25 million to 500 widows and wives of soldiers serving on the frontlines.

According to him, the grants are intended as seed capital for small businesses and will not be limited to a one-time intervention.

“If you take the seed money we are giving you, invest it in your business, and the business grows, we will come back here in another year and double the amount we have given you,” Odii said.

He added that the agency would monitor the beneficiaries’ businesses to ensure proper utilisation of the funds and identify those eligible for additional financial support. (Daily Trust)

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