The Federal Government has increased the minimum monthly salary of Nigerian soldiers from ₦49,000 to ₦100,000 as part of renewed efforts to improve the welfare of personnel of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, Minister of Defence Christopher Musa has announced.
The minister made the disclosure during an interview with News Central, where he spoke on the Federal Government’s ongoing initiatives to strengthen the nation’s security architecture, improve troop welfare, and enhance military operations across the country.
According to Musa, the salary review reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring that soldiers receive better financial support in recognition of the sacrifices they make in defending Nigeria against terrorism, insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, and other security threats.
He explained that when the current administration came into office, the minimum monthly salary earned by soldiers stood at ₦49,000. Following a review of welfare packages, the government approved an increase to ₦100,000, representing a significant improvement in the earnings of military personnel.
The minister noted that improving the welfare of soldiers remains one of the key priorities of the Federal Government, stressing that personnel who risk their lives daily in defence of the nation deserve better remuneration, improved living conditions, and adequate operational support.
Musa, however, acknowledged that despite the salary increase and other welfare interventions, Nigeria’s defence budget remains insufficient to fully meet the growing demands of the military. He explained that the Armed Forces require substantial funding to acquire modern equipment, maintain operational readiness, strengthen intelligence capabilities, and effectively tackle the evolving security challenges confronting the country.
He said the government continues to invest in military operations, procurement of equipment, logistics, training, and personnel development, adding that these investments are necessary to enable the Armed Forces to carry out their constitutional responsibilities effectively.
Speaking further, the Defence Minister reiterated his support for stricter punishment for individuals convicted of kidnapping. He argued that the increasing cases of abduction across the country require stronger legal measures to discourage criminal activities and protect innocent citizens.
According to him, severe penalties, including the death penalty where provided by law, could serve as a deterrent to criminals involved in kidnapping and other violent crimes. He maintained that insecurity cannot be addressed through military operations alone but also requires effective legal frameworks, intelligence sharing, community support, and collaboration among security agencies.
The minister also responded to recent concerns regarding the welfare of troops, particularly allegations circulating on social media that soldiers deployed to operational areas were being poorly fed.
Musa dismissed the claims, describing a viral video showing alleged inadequate meals as misleading and deliberately staged to create a false impression of conditions within the military.
He insisted that the Armed Forces have established welfare systems to provide feeding, medical care, accommodation, and other essential services for personnel serving in different theatres of operation.
While acknowledging that operational challenges may occasionally arise, he maintained that the military leadership remains committed to addressing the needs of troops promptly.
Musa further praised the resilience, professionalism, and dedication of Nigerian soldiers who continue to confront security threats in various parts of the country despite difficult conditions. He commended officers and personnel for their courage and sacrifices in safeguarding the nation’s territorial integrity and protecting civilians.
The minister assured Nigerians that the Federal Government would continue to prioritise the welfare of military personnel through improved salaries, better operational equipment, enhanced training programmes, and investments in modern defence infrastructure. He added that boosting troop morale remains essential to achieving lasting success in the fight against insecurity.
The increase in soldiers’ minimum monthly salary is expected to provide financial relief to thousands of military personnel and their families while reinforcing the government’s commitment to strengthening the Armed Forces. Security analysts have long argued that improved welfare, combined with better equipment, intelligence, and logistics, is crucial to maintaining a highly motivated military capable of responding effectively to Nigeria’s complex security challenges.
The latest salary adjustment marks one of the government’s notable welfare initiatives for military personnel and comes as security agencies continue sustained operations against insurgents, bandits, kidnappers, oil thieves, and other criminal groups across different regions of the country. Visit www.jocomms.com for more news.
