By Kingsley Omonobi The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa, retd, has said President Bola Tinubu would soon announce a new salary increase for personnel of the armed forces, as part of the federal government’s efforts to improve troops welfare. Musa, who disclosed this at a one-day training and financial empowerment workshop for widows and wives of service personnel at Lungi Barracks, Abuja, said the federal government remained committed to ensuring that military personnel were adequately rewarded for the sacrifices they make in safeguarding the nation. He said: “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 N49,000. About two years ago, I pushed for an increase to N100,000, 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.” The workshop, with the theme, ‘’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 reflected 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 members of the armed forces continued to confront complex security challenges and spend long periods away from their families, the government recognised the critical role their spouses and dependents played 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 recogni…
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