The Federal Government is set to further improve the welfare of members of the Armed Forces, with President Bola Tinubu expected to announce a fresh salary increase for military personnel in the coming weeks, according to the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar.
The minister 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 him, the planned salary review is part of the Tinubu administration’s commitment to rewarding the sacrifices made by soldiers in protecting the country’s sovereignty and ensuring national security.
“A few weeks ago, I mentioned that soldiers are now receiving ₦100,000, and I know that generated both positive and negative reactions,” the minister said.
He explained that when he served as Chief of Defence Staff, soldiers earned ₦49,000, but efforts were made about two years ago to increase the amount to ₦100,000.
“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 added.
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 partnership with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN).
The minister said the initiative reflects the Federal Government’s determination to improve the economic well-being of military families, especially widows and spouses of personnel serving in different operational theatres across the country.
He acknowledged the sacrifices made by soldiers and their families, noting that many personnel spend long periods away from home while tackling security challenges.
“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.
Addressing military spouses and widows, the minister praised their resilience and support.
“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 stated.
He added that strengthening the financial stability of military families would ultimately boost the morale and effectiveness of troops on the front lines.
Meanwhile, SMEDAN Director-General, Charles Odii, announced that the agency had disbursed ₦25 million to 500 widows and wives of serving soldiers as part of the empowerment programme.
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 disclosed that the President had approved a ₦200 billion intervention fund to support businesses across the country.
