President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is set to announce a new salary increase for personnel of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, according to the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd).
Speaking on Monday in Abuja during a training and financial empowerment workshop for widows and wives of military personnel, General Musa stated that the upcoming review forms part of the Federal Government’s commitment to improving troop welfare and recognizing their service.
Reflecting on past pay adjustments, the Minister noted that military pay rose from ₦49,000 to ₦100,000 during his tenure as Chief of Defence Staff following sustained advocacy.
”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,” General Musa said. “I am confident that very soon, Mr. President will announce another salary increase for our men.”
General Musa stressed that military effectiveness relies heavily on the economic stability of service members’ families. He praised military spouses and widows for their resilience, noting that their support sustains morale on the frontlines.
The workshop, themed “Renewed Hope for Families of the Armed Forces of Nigeria Through Entrepreneurship and Enterprise Development,” was organized by the Federal Ministry of Defence in collaboration with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN).
At the event, SMEDAN Director-General Charles Odii announced the disbursement of ₦25 million to 500 widows and wives of frontline soldiers to support their small businesses. Odii explained that the initiative will expand nationwide to build financial literacy, bolster inclusion, and assist military families in navigating current economic conditions.
The event was attended by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, Mr. Richard Pheelangwa, along with representatives from SMEDAN and other key stakeholders.
