Tinubu to Announce Fresh Salary Increase for Armed Forces Personnel – Defence Minister
Oru Leonard
Abuja: The Federal Government is set to further improve the welfare of military personnel as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is expected to announce a fresh upward review of salaries for members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, the Minister of Defence, Christopher Gwabin Musa, has revealed.
The Defence Minister made the announcement in Abuja during a one-day training and financial empowerment workshop for widows and wives of service personnel, where he reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening the welfare of troops and their families.
General Musa disclosed that while serving as Chief of Defence Staff, he successfully championed an increase in soldiers’ pay from ₦49,000 to ₦100,000, adding that efforts are already at an advanced stage to secure another salary review.
“I am confident that very soon, Mr. President will announce another salary increase for our men,” the Minister said.
Speaking on the theme, “Renewed Hope for Families of the Armed Forces of Nigeria Through Entrepreneurship and Enterprise Development,” Musa stressed that the strength of the military depends not only on weapons and training but also on the economic stability of soldiers’ families.
He commended military spouses for their unwavering support in sustaining the morale of personnel serving on the frontlines and paid tribute to widows of fallen heroes for their resilience and sacrifice.
According to him, the Ministry of Defence remains committed to pursuing policies and strategic partnerships that promote the holistic well-being of military personnel and their dependants.
The empowerment programme was organised by the Ministry of Defence in collaboration with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria.
Director-General of SMEDAN, Charles Odii, announced that ₦25 million had been disbursed to 500 widows and wives of soldiers currently serving on the frontlines to support their businesses and entrepreneurial activities.
Odii explained that the initiative forms part of a nationwide programme aimed at equipping beneficiaries with financial knowledge, entrepreneurial skills, and greater access to financial inclusion to help them navigate prevailing economic challenges.
The event was attended by the wife of the Honourable Minister of Defence, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, Richard Pheelangwa, senior ministry officials, SMEDAN development partners, and other stakeholders.
