Defence Minister General Christopher Musa says President Bola Tinubu will soon raise military pay further, as SMEDAN disburses ₦25 million to 500 soldiers’ widows and wives.
The Honourable Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd), OFR, has disclosed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will soon announce a salary increase for personnel of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, as part of the Federal Government’s sustained commitment to improving troop welfare and rewarding their sacrifices to the nation.
General Musa made the disclosure on Monday in Abuja during a one-day training and financial empowerment workshop organised for widows and wives of service personnel, where he re-emphasised the Ministry of Defence’s unwavering resolve to champion policies and strategic partnerships that prioritise the holistic well-being of Nigerian troops and their families.
The workshop was themed “Renewed Hope for Families of the Armed Forces of Nigeria Through Entrepreneurship and Enterprise Development.”
Musa Recalls Pay Rise From ₦49,000 To ₦100,000 As Chief Of Defence Staff
Recalling previous welfare benchmarks, the Minister noted that military pay was successfully raised from ₦49,000 to ₦100,000 during his tenure as Chief of Defence Staff, adding that active steps are currently underway to secure an even better package for the troops. “I want to state here that a few weeks ago, I mentioned that soldiers are now receiving ₦100,000. 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,” General Musa stated.
“I am confident that very soon, Mr. President will announce another salary increase for our men,” he added.
Speaking on the workshop’s theme, the Minister highlighted that a formidable military relies not only on tactical equipment and trained personnel, but also on economically stable households. “To the spouses gathered here today, your resilience, patience, and steadfast support give your loved ones the confidence to remain focused on their responsibilities,” General Musa said. “To our widows whose husbands served Nigeria with honour, your strength and perseverance in the face of loss remain an enduring source of inspiration.”
SMEDAN Disburses ₦25 Million To 500 Widows And Wives Of Serving Soldiers
The capacity-building initiative was organised by the Federal Ministry of Defence in partnership with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN). Earlier in his remarks, the Director-General of SMEDAN, Mr. Charles Odii, announced that a total sum of ₦25 million was disbursed to 500 widows and wives of soldiers currently serving on the frontlines to boost their small businesses and entrepreneurial ventures.
Those in attendance included the wife of the Honourable Minister, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, Mr. Richard Pheelangwa, other officials of the Ministry of Defence, SMEDAN development partners and other relevant stakeholders.
Odii said the programme is ongoing and will go round the country to help beneficiaries gain financial knowledge and skills to confront modern economic challenges, describing it as an opportunity to drive financial inclusion.
