BREAKING: Tinubu Set To Unveil Major Salary Increase For Nigerian Soldiers – Defence Minister Reveals

President Bola Tinubu is expected to announce a fresh salary increase for members of the Nigerian Armed Forces as part of ongoing efforts to improve the welfare of military personnel, according to the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (retd).

Musa made the announcement during a one-day training and financial empowerment workshop for widows and wives of service personnel held at Lungi Barracks in Abuja.

Speaking at the event, the Defence Minister said the federal government remains committed to rewarding the sacrifices of soldiers who continue to defend the country’s sovereignty and protect its citizens.

He recalled that soldiers’ monthly allowance was increased from ₦49,000 to ₦100,000 following his recommendation while serving as Chief of Defence Staff.

“I mentioned a few weeks ago that soldiers are now receiving ₦100,000, and I know that generated different reactions,” Musa said.

“When I was Chief of Defence Staff, the allowance stood at ₦49,000. We worked to increase it to ₦100,000 about two years ago, and that was achieved. We are now making further efforts to improve it again.”

Expressing confidence in the President’s commitment to the military, Musa added that Tinubu understands the sacrifices of troops and is determined to ensure they are properly rewarded.

“Our President is a listening father who appreciates the dedication of our troops. I am confident that very soon he will announce another salary increase for our men,” he stated.

The workshop, themed “Renewed Hope for Families of the Armed Forces of Nigeria Through Entrepreneurship and Enterprise Development,” was organized by the Ministry of Defence in partnership with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN).

According to Musa, the initiative underscores the government’s commitment to improving the economic well-being of military families, particularly widows and spouses of non-commissioned officers serving in various operational theatres across the country.

He noted that while military personnel continue to confront complex security challenges and spend long periods away from their families, the unwavering support of their spouses and loved ones plays a vital role in sustaining their morale and effectiveness.

Addressing the participants, Musa praised the resilience of military spouses and paid tribute to widows whose husbands died in service to the nation.

“Every day, our personnel face enormous security challenges while defending Nigeria’s sovereignty and protecting lives and property. Many serve in harsh operational environments, separated from their families for long periods and exposed to significant risks.

“To the spouses gathered here today, your patience, resilience and unwavering support give your loved ones the strength to remain focused on their duties. To our widows whose husbands served Nigeria with honour, your courage and perseverance remain an inspiration to us all,” he said.

The Defence Minister stressed that a strong military depends not only on well-trained personnel and modern equipment but also on stable and financially secure families.

He explained that when military families are economically empowered, service personnel can concentrate fully on their operational responsibilities, knowing their loved ones are adequately supported.

Musa added that the entrepreneurship programme was designed to equip participants with practical business and enterprise management skills, enabling them to establish sustainable businesses, generate income and contribute to Nigeria’s economic development.