Tinubu to Unveil New Pay Package for Soldiers, Says Defence Minister

The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (retd) has said that President Bola Tinubu will soon announce a new salary increase for personnel of the armed forces as part of the federal government’s plan to improve troops welfare.

Musa was reported to have revealed this at a one-day training and financial empowerment workshop for widows and wives of service personnel in Lungi Barracks, Abuja.

The federal government is committed to making sure military personnel are adequately compensated for the sacrifices they make to protect the nation, he said.

I want to say that a few weeks ago I said that soldiers are now getting ₦100, 000 and I know that it generated both positive and negative reactions.

“When I was chief of defence staff, soldiers were getting ₦49,000. Two years ago I asked for ₦100,000 and it was achieved.

‘But we are trying to boost it again. We know our President is a listening father who knows the sacrifices our troops are making and is committed to making sure they are well paid. I am sure, Mr. President, that you will soon be announcing another increase in wages for our men.”

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).

He said the programme was a reflection of the commitment of the federal government to improve the economic welfare of military families, especially widows and spouses of non-commissioned officers serving in different operational theatres across the country.

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With members of the armed forces continuing to face complex security challenges and long periods away from their families, he said the government recognised the vital role played by their spouses and dependants in maintaining their morale and effectiveness.

“Our personnel face complex security challenges daily in defending the sovereignty of Nigeria and the lives and property of our citizens.

“Many operate in challenging environments, away from their families for long periods and under significant risk. Their courage and sacrifice are rightly celebrated, but the families firmly behind them also played an invaluable role that must be duly recognised

“To the spouses here today, your strength, patience and constant support give your loved ones the confidence to stay focused on their tasks.

“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,’’ the minister stated.

He said that a strong military was built not only on capable personnel and modern equipment but also on stable and economically secure families.

“When military families are economically secure they are more resilient to the unique challenges of military life,” he said. This means service personnel can have confidence that their loved ones are well supported, and they can focus on their operational duties.”

“Thus, strengthening the economic resilience of our military families is an important investment in the effectiveness of our Armed Forces and the security of our nation.

“The entrepreneurship programme was aimed at equipping participants with practical business and enterprise management skills, which would enable them establish sustainable businesses, generate income and contribute to national economic development,” Musa said.