NEWS
President Tinubu to Announce Fresh Salary Increase for Soldiers as FG Expands Welfare Support for Military Families — Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (Rtd.) Reveals
The Federal Government has concluded plans to further improve the welfare of members of the Armed Forces, with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu expected to soon announce another salary increase for military personnel, according to the Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (Rtd.).
The minister made the disclosure on Monday while speaking at a one-day training and financial empowerment workshop for widows and wives of military personnel in Abuja, where he reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to rewarding the sacrifices of officers and soldiers defending the nation’s territorial integrity and protecting the lives and property of Nigerians.
Musa explained that the Tinubu administration remains determined to ensure that members of the Armed Forces receive better welfare packages in recognition of the enormous responsibilities they shoulder in the fight against insecurity across the country.
Recalling previous efforts to improve soldiers’ earnings, the minister said the government had already increased the monthly salary of soldiers from ₦49,000 to ₦100,000 about two years ago and is now working towards another upward review.
“I want to state here that a few weeks ago, I mentioned that soldiers are now receiving ₦100,000, and I know that generated both positive and negative reactions.
“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. We know our President is a listening father who understands the sacrifices our troops are making and is committed to ensuring they are well remunerated.
“So, I am confident that very soon Mr. President will announce another salary increase for our men,” he said.
The workshop, themed “Renewed Hope for Families of the Armed Forces of Nigeria Through Entrepreneurship and Enterprise Development,” was organised by the Ministry of Defence in collaboration with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN).
According to Musa, the initiative demonstrates the Federal Government’s resolve to strengthen the economic well-being of military families, especially widows and spouses of non-commissioned officers serving in various operational theatres across Nigeria.
He observed that while military personnel continue to confront complex security challenges, often spending extended periods away from home under difficult conditions, the unwavering support of their spouses and families remains essential to maintaining their morale and effectiveness on the battlefield.
“Every day, our personnel confront complex security challenges in defence of Nigeria’s sovereignty and the protection of the lives and property of our citizens.
“Many serve in difficult operational environments, separated from their families for extended periods and exposed to considerable risks. While their courage and sacrifice are rightly celebrated, we must equally recognise the invaluable role played by the families who stand firmly behind them.
“To the spouses gathered here today, your resilience, patience and steadfast support give your loved ones the confidence to remain focused on their responsibilities.
“To our widows whose husbands served Nigeria with honour and distinction, your strength and perseverance in the face of loss remain an enduring source of inspiration,” he said.
The Defence Minister further stressed that building the capacity of military families through entrepreneurship and enterprise development is a strategic investment in national security. He noted that when families are financially stable, serving personnel can concentrate fully on their operational responsibilities without worrying about the welfare of their loved ones.
“When military families are economically secure, they are better positioned to withstand the unique demands of military life. This gives service personnel the confidence that their loved ones are well supported, allowing them to concentrate fully on their operational responsibilities.
“Strengthening the economic resilience of military families is therefore an important investment in the effectiveness of our Armed Forces and the security of our nation,” he added.
Musa explained 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 meaningfully to Nigeria’s economic development.
He also commended President Tinubu for what he described as the administration’s unwavering commitment to improving the welfare of members of the Armed Forces and their families through targeted interventions and social support programmes.
Speaking at the event, the Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of SMEDAN, Charles Odii, announced that the agency had disbursed ₦25 million to 500 widows and wives of soldiers currently serving on the frontlines under the empowerment programme.
Odii said the initiative is in line with President Tinubu’s commitment to supporting small businesses and improving livelihoods through enterprise development.
He further disclosed that the President had approved a ₦200 billion intervention fund for businesses nationwide, consisting of a ₦75 billion single-digit interest loan for manufacturers, another ₦75 billion single-digit interest loan for small businesses, and ₦50 billion in grants for nano-businesses.
According to him, beneficiaries of the military families’ empowerment programme fall under the grant component of the intervention package.
He assured participants that the support would not end with the initial grant, revealing that beneficiaries who successfully invest the funds and grow their businesses would become eligible for additional financial assistance.
“If you take the seed money we are giving you, invest it in your business, and the business grows, we will come back here in another year and double the amount we have given you,” he said.
Odii added that SMEDAN would closely monitor the businesses established by beneficiaries to ensure the funds are properly utilised while identifying entrepreneurs deserving of further financial support, reinforcing the Federal Government’s broader objective of empowering military families and strengthening their economic resilience.