By Kingsley Beta
The Federal Government has concluded plans to further increase the salaries of personnel of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, with President Bola Tinubu expected to announce the new pay package soon, the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, has disclosed.
The minister made the announcement on Monday during a one-day training and financial empowerment workshop for widows and wives of military personnel held at Lungi Barracks, Abuja.
He said the planned salary review underscores the Tinubu administration’s commitment to improving the welfare of soldiers in recognition of their sacrifices in defending the country’s territorial integrity and protecting lives and property.
“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,” the minister said.
He recalled that when he previously served as Chief of Defence Staff, soldiers earned about ₦49,000, but efforts were made 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 collaboration with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN).
The minister said the programme was designed to improve 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 face difficult security challenges and spend extended periods away from their families, the government recognises the crucial support provided by their spouses and dependants.
“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 participants, the minister praised the resilience of military spouses and widows.
“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 said.
According to him, strengthening the economic resilience of military families is essential to boosting the effectiveness of the Armed Forces.
“When military families are economically secure, they are better positioned to withstand the unique demands of military life. This gives service personnel the confidence that their loved ones are well supported, allowing them to concentrate fully on their operational responsibilities,” he stated.
He also expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for what he described as his unwavering commitment to the welfare of members of the Armed Forces and their families.
Also speaking, 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 serving on the front lines under the empowerment programme.
Odii said the initiative aligns with the Tinubu administration’s commitment to supporting entrepreneurship and improving livelihoods through small business development.
He recalled that President Tinubu approved a ₦200 billion intervention fund for enterprises across the country, comprising ₦75 billion in single-digit interest loans for manufacturers, ₦75 billion in loans for small businesses and ₦50 billion in grants for nano-businesses.
He encouraged beneficiaries to invest the grants prudently, assuring them that those who successfully grow their businesses would qualify for additional support.
“If you take the seed money we are giving you, invest it in your business, and the business grows, we will come back here in another year and double the amount we have given you,” Odii said.
He added that SMEDAN would monitor the beneficiaries’ businesses to ensure the funds are properly utilised and to identify entrepreneurs eligible for further financial assistance.
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