Tinubu to Announce New Salary Increase for Armed Forces Personnel – Defence Minister

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will soon announce a fresh upward review of salaries for personnel of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd), has said.

General Musa disclosed this on Monday in Abuja during a one-day training and financial empowerment workshop for widows and wives of military personnel, saying the planned salary increase underscores the Federal Government’s commitment to improving the welfare of troops and rewarding their service to the nation.

The minister said the government had already increased soldiers’ pay from ₦49,000 to ₦100,000 during his tenure as Chief of Defence Staff and was working towards another upward review.

“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,” he said.

He expressed confidence that President Tinubu would soon make the official announcement.

Speaking on the theme, “Renewed Hope for Families of the Armed Forces of Nigeria Through Entrepreneurship and Enterprise Development,” Musa said the strength of the military depends not only on well-trained personnel and modern equipment but also on the economic stability of soldiers’ families.

He commended military spouses for their resilience and support, noting that their sacrifices help sustain the morale of personnel serving on the frontlines.

The minister also paid tribute to widows of fallen service members, describing their courage and perseverance as an inspiration.

“Your resilience, patience and steadfast support give your loved ones the confidence to remain focused on their responsibilities,” he told the spouses, while assuring widows that the sacrifices of their late husbands would never be forgotten.

The empowerment programme was organised by the Federal Ministry of Defence in partnership with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN).

Speaking at the event, SMEDAN Director-General Charles Odii announced the disbursement of ₦25 million to 500 widows and wives of soldiers serving on the frontlines to support their businesses and entrepreneurial ventures.

Odii said the initiative would be expanded nationwide to equip beneficiaries with financial literacy and business management skills while promoting financial inclusion.

The event was attended by the wife of the Minister of Defence, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence Richard Pheelangwa, senior officials of the ministry, representatives of SMEDAN, development partners and other stakeholders.