BREAKING: Tinubu Announces Fresh Salary Increase for Nigerian Soldiers

• President Bola Tinubu is set to announce a fresh salary increase for Nigerian soldiers, according to Defence Minister Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, as the Federal Government moves to improve military welfare.

The Federal Government has announced plans to further increase the salaries of personnel of the Nigerian Armed Forces, with President Bola Tinubu expected to make an official announcement soon.

Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, made the disclosure during a one-day training and financial empowerment workshop for widows and wives of military personnel held at Lungi Barracks in Abuja.

According to the minister, the planned salary review is part of the Tinubu administration’s commitment to improving the welfare of troops and ensuring they are adequately rewarded for the sacrifices they make in protecting Nigeria.

“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,” he said.

Badaru explained that when he previously served as Chief of Defence Staff, soldiers earned about ₦49,000 monthly, but efforts were made to raise the amount to ₦100,000 approximately two years ago.

He revealed that discussions were already underway to secure another increase.

“We are 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. I am confident that very soon, Mr. President will announce another salary increase for our men,” he stated.

The empowerment programme, 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).

The minister said the initiative demonstrates the Federal Government’s commitment to improving the economic well-being of military families, particularly widows and spouses of non-commissioned officers serving in various operational theatres across the country.

He noted that while soldiers continue to confront complex security challenges and spend long periods away from their families, the government also recognises the sacrifices made by their spouses and dependents.

“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,” he said.

“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.”

Addressing the widows at the event, Badaru praised their resilience and described them as an inspiration.

“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 added.

The minister stressed that a strong military depends not only on well-trained personnel and modern equipment but also on financially stable families.

According to him, economically secure military families enable service personnel to concentrate fully on their operational responsibilities, knowing their loved ones are adequately supported.

He explained that the entrepreneurship programme was designed to equip participants with practical business and enterprise management skills to help them establish sustainable businesses and improve their livelihoods.

Meanwhile, the Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of SMEDAN, Charles Odii, disclosed that the agency disbursed ₦25 million to 500 widows and wives of soldiers currently serving on the front lines.

Odii said the intervention aligns with President Tinubu’s commitment to supporting small businesses and improving the livelihoods of Nigerians through enterprise development.

He also noted that the President had earlier approved a ₦200 billion intervention fund to support businesses across the country, with the goal of boosting entrepreneurship and economic growth.