Tinubu to announce fresh salary increase for soldiers after public backlash over N100,000 basic salary

The Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (Rtd.), has disclosed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will soon announce another salary increase for personnel of the Armed Forces as part of the Federal Government’s ongoing efforts to improve the welfare of military officers and soldiers.

Musa made the disclosure on Monday while speaking at a one-day training and financial empowerment workshop for widows and wives of military personnel in Abuja.

He said the Federal Government remains committed to ensuring that members of the Armed Forces are adequately rewarded for the sacrifices they make in defending the country and protecting the lives and property of Nigerians.

According to the minister, the government had already increased the monthly pay of soldiers from ₦49,000 to ₦100,000 about two years ago and is now working towards another upward review.

“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,” he 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 collaboration with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN).

Musa said the initiative reflects the Federal Government’s determination to improve the economic well-being of military families, particularly widows and spouses of non-commissioned officers serving in different operational theatres across the country.

He noted that while military personnel continue to confront complex security challenges, often spending long periods away from their families in difficult environments, 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.

“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.

The minister stressed that the government is committed to equipping military families with the skills, knowledge and support needed to build sustainable livelihoods, noting that the strength of the Armed Forces depends not only on capable personnel and modern equipment but also on economically secure families.

“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 added.

Musa explained that the entrepreneurship programme was designed to provide participants with practical business and enterprise management skills that would enable them to establish sustainable businesses, generate income and contribute to national economic development.

He also commended President Tinubu for what he described as the administration’s commitment to improving the welfare of members of the Armed Forces and their families.

Speaking at the event, the Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of SMEDAN, Charles Odii, disclosed that the agency had disbursed ₦25 million to 500 widows and wives of soldiers serving on the frontlines under the empowerment programme.

Odii said the initiative aligns with President Tinubu’s commitment to supporting small businesses and improving livelihoods through enterprise development.

He revealed that the President had approved a ₦200 billion intervention fund for businesses nationwide, comprising a ₦75 billion single-digit interest loan for manufacturers, another ₦75 billion single-digit interest loan for small businesses, and ₦50 billion in grants for nano-businesses.

According to him, beneficiaries of the military families’ empowerment programme are covered under the grant component of the intervention package.

Odii assured beneficiaries that the grant would not be a one-time intervention, explaining that those who invest the funds productively would qualify for additional financial support.

“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,” he said.

He added that SMEDAN would closely monitor beneficiaries’ businesses to ensure the funds are properly utilised and to identify entrepreneurs eligible for additional support.

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