By Daniel Oluwatobiloba Popoola
The Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (retd.), said he spearheaded the increase in soldiers’ salaries from N49,000 to N100,000 during his tenure as Chief of Defence Staff, disclosing that fresh efforts were underway to secure a further pay rise for troops.
Musa made the disclosure on Monday, 27 July, 2026 at a one-day training and financial empowerment workshop for widows and wives of service personnel, held at Lungi Barracks, Abuja, where he explained that the earlier salary review was aimed at improving the welfare of troops in recognition of the sacrifices they made in defending the country.
He recalled that soldiers earned N49,000 while he served as Chief of Defence Staff, and that he had pushed two years ago for the pay to be raised to N100,000, a target that was eventually achieved.
Musa disclosed that discussions were ongoing with President Bola Tinubu to further improve military remuneration, describing the President as a listening leader who would ensure troops received better pay in view of their sacrifices. He expressed confidence that an announcement on another salary increase for military personnel would come soon.
The Minister said the Federal Government remained committed to improving the welfare of military families, noting that the workshop was designed to strengthen the economic resilience of military households so that serving personnel could focus on their operational responsibilities.
He added that the programme would equip participants with practical knowledge to establish sustainable businesses, generate income and contribute to national economic development.
Musa’s remarks come amid renewed calls for improved military welfare, with veterans and retired senior officers pressing the Federal Government to implement a proposed N250,000 minimum monthly salary for the least-paid soldier.
Earlier this month, over 70 military veterans had demanded the immediate implementation of a salary structure they claimed had already been approved, while on Sunday, former Director of Defence Information, Maj. Gen. John Enenche (retd.), also called for a minimum monthly salary of N250,000 for rank-and-file soldiers to reflect current economic realities.
