The Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, has confirmed that the Federal Government has raised the minimum monthly salary for Nigerian soldiers from N49,000 to N100,000, doubling the previous baseline amid ongoing concerns over troop welfare.
Musa’s confirmation follows weeks of pressure from veterans and serving personnel who have described the earlier pay structure as grossly inadequate given the risks associated with active duty across multiple conflict theatres in the country.
The increment forms part of a broader welfare review President Bola Tinubu first announced in March, when he pledged to prioritise the welfare, accommodation and overall wellbeing of the Armed Forces during an event with service chiefs at the Presidential Villa.
Despite the confirmed increase, some serving personnel and veterans have continued to argue that the revised figure still falls short of adequately compensating troops for the dangers faced during operations against insurgency, banditry and kidnapping across the country.
The Ministry of Defence has separately clarified that delayed allowances for military interns are linked to a 2026 budgetary funding gap rather than administrative failure, an explanation offered amid broader scrutiny of military welfare spending.
Military authorities say the welfare review remains ongoing, with further adjustments expected as the Federal Government continues efforts to address longstanding concerns over troop compensation and morale.
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