The Federal government has signaled another major welfare package for members of the Armed Forces, following disclosure by Minister of Defence, Gen Christopher Musa, that President Bola Tinubu is expected to announce a fresh salary increase for Nigerian troops in the coming days.
Musa made the disclosure during a one-day training and financial empowerment workshop organised for widows and wives of service personnel at Lungi Barracks, Abuja, where he reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to improving the welfare of troops and their families.
The minister said the proposed salary increase is part of ongoing efforts to ensure that members of the Armed Forces are adequately compensated for the risks they face in defending Nigeria against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, oil theft and other security threats.
According to him, the Federal government recognises that improved welfare remains critical to boosting the morale, productivity and operational efficiency of military personnel deployed across various theatres of operation.
Musa recalled that while serving as Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), he successfully pushed for an upward review of soldiers’ salaries, increasing their monthly pay from N49,000 to N100,000 after years of agitation over poor remuneration.
“When I was Chief of Defence, the soldiers were collecting ₦49,000. I made an effort two years ago for it to be increased to ₦100,000, and that was achieved,” he said.
The minister disclosed that discussions were ongoing to secure another increase, expressing confidence that President Tinubu would approve the proposal.
“We are, however, still making more efforts for it to be increased further. And we know our President is a father, a listening father, who will make sure that our troops are collecting good money because they are sacrificing so much. So, for all of us here, I’m sure very soon, Mr. President is going to announce an increase in salaries for our men.”
Musa stressed that improving the welfare of military personnel remains a strategic priority for the Tinubu administration, noting that motivated troops are better positioned to confront the country’s evolving security challenges.
He said the Armed Forces continue to bear enormous responsibility in combating insurgency in the North-East, banditry in the North-West, separatist violence in the South-East, crude oil theft in the Niger Delta and other criminal activities threatening national stability.
According to the minister, enhancing salaries and welfare packages is not merely a financial decision but a strategic investment in national security.
He added that the government would continue to explore additional measures to improve the living conditions of military personnel through better healthcare, accommodation, insurance and family support programmes.
Speaking on the empowerment programme, Musa described military spouses and widows as silent pillars behind the Armed Forces, saying their resilience and sacrifices deserved greater recognition.
He explained that the workshop was designed to equip participants with entrepreneurial, vocational and financial management skills that would enable them to establish sustainable businesses and generate independent sources of income.
The minister said strengthening the economic resilience of military families would reduce financial pressures on serving personnel, allowing them to remain focused on protecting the country.
He urged the beneficiaries to take full advantage of the opportunity, expressing optimism that the skills acquired would improve their livelihoods and contribute to national economic development.
Musa also assured widows of fallen military personnel that the Federal Government would continue to implement policies and programmes to support them and preserve the legacy of officers and soldiers who paid the ultimate price in defence of the nation.
The planned salary increase comes amid sustained calls by military stakeholders for improved welfare to reflect the demanding nature of military service and the increasing security responsibilities placed on troops.
For years, security experts have argued that better remuneration is essential for boosting troop morale, improving retention of skilled personnel and strengthening operational effectiveness in the fight against terrorism and organised crime.
Since assuming office, President Bola Tinubu has repeatedly pledged to prioritise the welfare of members of the Armed Forces and other security agencies through increased budgetary allocations, acquisition of modern military hardware, improved healthcare services, housing projects and enhanced insurance benefits.
- Media Report