Defence Minister Gen. Christopher Musa (Rtd.) has disclosed that President Bola Tinubu is preparing to announce a new round of salary increases for Nigerian military personnel. The disclosure came during a one-day training and financial empowerment workshop for widows and wives of Armed Forces personnel, held on Monday in Abuja.
Workshop for Military Families
The workshop, themed "Renewed Hope for Families of the Armed Forces of Nigeria Through Entrepreneurship and Enterprise Development," was jointly organised by the Ministry of Defence and the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN). Gen. Musa used the platform to stress the Federal Government's commitment to adequately rewarding soldiers for their sacrifices in keeping the country safe.
Government Commitment to Welfare
Gen. Musa said the initiative was designed to equip participants with practical business and enterprise management skills, enabling them to set up sustainable ventures, earn income, and contribute to national economic development. He acknowledged that troops are regularly deployed to dangerous environments for long periods, leaving their families to manage on their own. In light of this, he emphasised that the government recognises the essential role spouses and dependants play in keeping soldiers motivated and effective on the field.
The minister stressed that a capable military is built not only on well-trained personnel and modern equipment, but also on families that are economically stable and well-supported. He added that the government is committed to giving military families the knowledge and skills they need to build secure livelihoods.
President Tinubu's Focus on Welfare
Gen. Musa also commended President Tinubu for what he described as the president's consistent focus on improving welfare conditions for members of the Armed Forces and their families. The workshop particularly focused on wives of non-commissioned officers serving across various operational theatres in the country.
According to the Defence Minister, the planned salary increase is part of broader efforts to enhance the living standards of military personnel and their families. He did not provide a specific figure or timeline for the announcement, but assured that details would be made public by the President in due course.
Impact on Military Families
The workshop was attended by several hundred widows and wives of servicemen from different military formations. Participants received training on business planning, financial management, and access to credit facilities. SMEDAN officials were present to guide attendees on how to register small businesses and access government grants and loans designed for entrepreneurs.
One participant, who identified herself as Mrs. Patience Okafor, wife of a sergeant currently deployed in the Northeast, expressed gratitude for the initiative. "This training gives us hope. We can now start our own businesses and support our families while our husbands are away serving the nation," she said.
Ongoing Welfare Initiatives
The salary increase announcement is the latest in a series of welfare measures under President Tinubu's administration aimed at boosting morale within the armed forces. Earlier in the year, the government had approved a special allowance for troops engaged in counterinsurgency operations. The Defence Ministry has also been working on improving accommodation and healthcare facilities for military personnel and their families.
Gen. Musa reiterated that the welfare of soldiers and their families remains a top priority, and the government will continue to explore ways to support them. He called on the public to appreciate the sacrifices of the military and support efforts to enhance their wellbeing.
