By Opeyemi Adelakun
The Federal Government has concluded plans to further improve the welfare of members of the Armed Forces, with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu expected to announce a fresh salary increase for military personnel in the coming weeks.
Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, disclosed this on Tuesday during a one-day training and financial empowerment workshop for widows and wives of military personnel at Lungi Barracks, Abuja.
The programme, themed “Renewed Hope for Families of the Armed Forces of Nigeria Through Entrepreneurship and Enterprise Development,” was organised by the Ministry of Defence in partnership with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN).
Speaking at the event, the minister said the Tinubu administration remained committed to ensuring that members of the Armed Forces receive better remuneration in recognition of the enormous sacrifices they make in defending the country.
“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,” he said.
“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. 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 minister said the empowerment programme underscored the government’s determination to improve the economic well-being of military families, particularly widows and spouses of non-commissioned officers deployed to various operational theatres across the country.
According to him, while service personnel continue to confront complex security threats and spend long periods away from their families, their spouses and dependants deserve equal recognition for the support they provide.
“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,” he said.
“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 recognise the invaluable role played by the families who stand firmly behind them.”
Addressing the participants, the minister commended military spouses for their resilience and paid tribute to widows of fallen personnel.
“To the spouses gathered here today, your resilience, patience and steadfast support give your loved ones the confidence to remain focused on their responsibilities.
“To our widows whose husbands served Nigeria with honour and distinction, your strength and perseverance in the face of loss remain an enduring source of inspiration,” he added.
He stressed that the strength of the Armed Forces depends not only on capable personnel and modern equipment but also on the economic stability of military families.
“When military families are economically secure, they are better positioned to withstand the unique demands of military life. This gives service personnel the confidence that their loved ones are well supported, allowing them to concentrate fully on their operational responsibilities.
“Strengthening the economic resilience of military families is, therefore, an important investment in the effectiveness of our Armed Forces and the security of our nation,” he said.
The minister explained that the entrepreneurship training was designed to equip beneficiaries with practical business and enterprise management skills to establish sustainable businesses, improve household income and contribute to national economic growth.
Also speaking, the Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of SMEDAN, Charles Odii, announced the disbursement of ₦25 million to 500 widows and wives of military personnel serving on the frontlines as part of the empowerment initiative.
Odii said the intervention aligns with President Tinubu’s commitment to strengthening small businesses and expanding economic opportunities for Nigerians through enterprise development.
He noted that the President had earlier approved a ₦200 billion intervention fund to support small and medium-scale enterprises across the country, describing the latest support package as part of ongoing efforts to improve the welfare of military families while promoting economic inclusion.
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