Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (Rtd.), has disclosed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will soon announce another salary increase for personnel of the Armed Forces as part of the Federal Government’s efforts to improve troop welfare.
The minister made the disclosure on Monday while speaking at a one-day training and financial empowerment workshop for widows and wives of military personnel in Abuja.
According to him, the Federal Government remains committed to ensuring that members of the Armed Forces are adequately rewarded for the sacrifices they make in safeguarding the country.
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“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.
“When I was Chief of Defence Staff, soldiers were receiving ₦49,000. About two years ago, I pushed for an increase to ₦100,000, and that was achieved.
“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 said.
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 initiative reflects 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.
He noted that while military personnel continue to confront complex security challenges and spend extended periods away from their families, the government recognises the critical role played by their spouses and dependants in sustaining their morale and effectiveness.
“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.
“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.
“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.
The minister stressed that the government is determined to provide military families with the knowledge, skills and support required to build sustainable livelihoods, noting that a strong military depends not only on capable personnel and modern equipment but also on stable and economically secure families.
“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.
“Strengthening the economic resilience of military families is therefore an important investment in the effectiveness of our Armed Forces and the security of our nation,” he added.
He explained that the entrepreneurship programme was designed to equip participants with practical business and enterprise management skills to establish sustainable businesses, generate income and contribute to national economic development.
The minister also commended President Tinubu for what he described as his commitment to improving the welfare of members of the Armed Forces and their families.
Speaking at the event, 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 frontlines under the empowerment programme.
According to Odii, the intervention aligns with President Tinubu’s commitment to supporting small businesses and improving livelihoods through enterprise development.
He said the President had approved a ₦200 billion intervention fund for businesses across the country, comprising a ₦75 billion single-digit interest loan for manufacturers, another ₦75 billion single-digit interest loan for small businesses, and ₦50 billion in grants for nano-businesses.
He explained that beneficiaries of the military families’ empowerment programme fall under the grant component of the intervention.
Odii added that the grant is not a one-off intervention, assuring beneficiaries that those who invest the funds productively would qualify for additional financial 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,” he said.
He noted that SMEDAN would monitor beneficiaries’ businesses to ensure proper utilisation of the funds and identify entrepreneurs eligible for further support.
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