Photo Credit: Photo Credit: Vanguard News / Ministry of Defence
Tinubu To Announce New Salary Increase For Soldiers — Defence Minister
The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (rtd), has disclosed that President Bola Tinubu will soon announce a fresh salary increase for personnel of the Nigerian Armed Forces.
Musa made the disclosure on Monday, July 27, 2026, at a one-day entrepreneurship and financial empowerment workshop for widows and wives of military personnel held at Lungi Barracks, Abuja.
According to the Minister, the planned increase is part of the Federal Government’s renewed commitment to improving troops’ welfare and appreciating their sacrifices in defending the nation.
He recalled that soldiers previously earned N49,000 when he was Chief of Defence Staff, and that he pushed for an increase to N100,000 about two years ago, which was approved.
“I know that generated both positive and negative reactions. We are, however, making further efforts to increase it again. Our President is a listening father who understands the sacrifices our troops are making,” Musa said.
The workshop, themed “Renewed Hope for Families of the Armed Forces of Nigeria Through Entrepreneurship and Enterprise Development,” was organized by the Ministry of Defence in partnership with SMEDAN.
Musa said strong and stable military families are key to an effective Armed Forces, adding that when families are economically secure, troops can focus better on their operational duties.
Also speaking at the event, the Director-General of SMEDAN, Charles Odii, said the agency disbursed N25 million to 500 widows and wives of soldiers serving on the frontlines as part of the empowerment programme.
SOURCE: Vanguard News