Pix: Gen.Musa

By Tunji Braimoh, Abuja

Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (retd.), has revealed that the increase in the monthly salary of Nigerian soldiers from ₦49,000 to ₦100,000 was initiated during his tenure as Chief of Defence Staff, describing the move as part of efforts to improve the welfare of military personnel.

Musa made the disclosure on Monday while speaking at a one-day training and financial empowerment programme organised for widows and wives of military personnel at Lungi Barracks in Abuja.

According to the minister, the salary adjustment was designed to recognise the sacrifices made daily by members of the Armed Forces in safeguarding the nation’s territorial integrity and combating various security threats across the country.

He explained that prior to the review, many soldiers earned ₦49,000 monthly, a figure he considered inadequate given the nature of their responsibilities and the risks associated with military service.

Musa stated that intensive engagements and advocacy led to the eventual approval of the salary increase, which raised the minimum monthly pay of soldiers to ₦100,000.

“When I served as Chief of Defence Staff, our soldiers were receiving ₦49,000 monthly. We pushed for a review and successfully secured an increase to ₦100,000,” he said.

The Defence Minister further disclosed that discussions were ongoing with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the possibility of another upward review of military salaries to further enhance the welfare and morale of personnel.

He expressed optimism that the Federal Government would continue to prioritise the welfare of troops, considering the enormous sacrifices they make in defending the country against insurgency, banditry, terrorism and other security challenges.

According to Musa, improving the welfare of military personnel remains critical to maintaining a motivated and professional fighting force capable of effectively responding to emerging security threats.

The minister also reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting military families, noting that the wellbeing of spouses and dependants directly impacts the effectiveness of serving personnel.

He explained that the empowerment programme was aimed at equipping widows and wives of service members with practical entrepreneurial skills that would enable them to establish sustainable businesses and generate independent sources of income.

Musa observed that strengthening the economic resilience of military families would reduce financial pressures on service personnel and allow them to focus more effectively on their operational duties.

He further noted that empowering military families contributes to broader national economic development by encouraging entrepreneurship, job creation and financial independence.

The minister’s remarks come a week after the criticism of the N100,000 new salary scale by the People’s Security Monitor, amid growing calls by military veterans and retired senior officers for a more substantial review of military salaries in response to prevailing economic realities and rising living costs.

Several veterans’ groups have recently urged the Federal Government to implement a proposed minimum monthly salary of ₦250,000 for the least-paid soldier, arguing that such a review would better reflect current economic conditions and adequately reward personnel serving on the frontlines.

Security analysts and military stakeholders have also maintained that improved remuneration, enhanced welfare packages and better living conditions remain essential components of efforts to boost troop morale, strengthen operational effectiveness and sustain the fight against insecurity across the country.