The Federal Government has disclosed that another salary increase is being considered for members of the Armed Forces as part of efforts to improve troop welfare, strengthen morale and enhance Nigeria’s security operations.
Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa, retired, announced the plan during a training and financial empowerment programme organized for widows and spouses of military personnel serving in operational theatres.
The programme was organized in Abuja by the Ministry of Defence in partnership with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria.
Musa said the proposed adjustment would recognize the sacrifices of military personnel who continue to confront insurgency, banditry and other security threats across the country.
He recalled that military personnel were earning about N49,000 when he served as Chief of Defence Staff, adding that efforts during his tenure led to an increase to N100,000.
According to him, discussions are continuing with the Federal Government to secure another upward review.
“When I was Chief of Defence Staff, our soldiers were receiving N49,000. Two years ago, I made efforts to have it increased to N100,000, and that was achieved.
“We are still working to have it increased further. We know the President is a listening father who understands the sacrifices of our troops. I am confident that another increase in their salaries will soon be announced,” Musa said.
The proposed pay rise comes as the government expands the structure and operational capacity of the Nigerian Army.
President Bola Tinubu recently approved the creation of four additional Army divisions, increasing the number from eight to 12.
The formations include 5 Division in Makurdi, responsible for Benue, Nasarawa and Kogi states; 9 Division in Ilorin, covering Kwara and Niger states; 10 Division in Jalingo, responsible for Taraba and Adamawa states; and 83 Division in Benin City, covering Edo, Delta and Bayelsa states.
The expansion is expected to improve response time, increase military presence in vulnerable areas and strengthen coordination during counterterrorism and internal security operations.
The government has also established additional brigades, battalions, forward operating bases and barracks in strategic locations, particularly in the North East and North West.
Military equipment being acquired includes attack helicopters, armored personnel carriers, Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles, artillery systems, surveillance drones and intelligence gathering technology.
The Army is also expected to recruit 28,000 additional personnel, while more funding is being directed towards training, logistics and troop welfare.
Musa said the government remained committed to supporting military families, particularly widows and spouses of personnel deployed to dangerous operational areas.
During the programme, the minister presented a cheque for N250 million to beneficiaries of the capacity development initiative.
SMEDAN Director General, Charles Odii, assured frontline troops that their families would continue to receive government support.
He said empowering their spouses to establish sustainable businesses would provide greater economic security for military households.
Odii also highlighted the Federal Government’s N200 billion enterprise intervention programme, comprising N75 billion in loans for manufacturers, N75 billion for small businesses and N50 billion in grants for nano enterprises.
He explained that nano enterprises are businesses with fewer than three employees and an annual turnover below N3 million.
