Tinubu to announce salary increase for military personnel soon, says Christopher Musa
Christopher Musa, minister of defence, says President Bola Tinubu will soon announce a salary increase for personnel of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) as part of efforts to improve troop welfare.
Musa spoke in Abuja on Monday during a one-day training and financial empowerment workshop for widows and wives of military personnel.
The workshop, themed “Renewed hope for families of the Armed Forces of Nigeria through entrepreneurship and enterprise development,” was organised by the federal ministry of defence in partnership with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN).
The minister said the federal government remains committed to improving the welfare of military personnel and their families, noting that discussions were ongoing to secure a better remuneration package for troops.
“I want to state here that a few weeks ago, I mentioned that soldiers are now receiving N100,000. When I was chief of defence staff, soldiers were receiving N49,000. About two years ago, I pushed for an increase to N100,000, and that was achieved,” Musa said.
“We are, however, making further efforts to increase it again. I am confident that very soon, Mr President will announce another salary increase for our men.”
The minister said the effectiveness of the armed forces depends not only on military capability but also on the economic stability of the families of service personnel.
He commended military spouses for supporting their partners serving on the frontlines and paid tribute to widows of fallen soldiers for their resilience.
“To the spouses gathered here today, your resilience, patience and steadfast support give your loved ones the confidence to remain focused on their responsibilities,” he said.
“To our widows whose husbands served Nigeria with honour, your strength and perseverance in the face of loss remain an enduring source of inspiration.”
Also speaking, Charles Odii, director-general of SMEDAN, announced the disbursement of N25 million to 500 widows and wives of soldiers currently serving on the frontlines to support their businesses.
Odii said the intervention forms part of an ongoing nationwide programme aimed at equipping beneficiaries with financial knowledge and entrepreneurial skills.
He added that the initiative would promote financial inclusion while helping military families build sustainable livelihoods amid prevailing economic challenges.
Among those present at the event were the wife of the minister of defence, Richard Pheelangwa, permanent secretary of the Ministry of Defence, senior ministry officials, SMEDAN development partners and other stakeholders.
