Senate Urges Minimum Wage For Armed Forces, Others

The Senate has called on the federal government to urgently review and increase the minimum wage and salary structure for personnel in the Nigerian Armed Forces and other security agencies, in line with prevailing economic realities.

This followed the adoption of a motion sponsored by former Senate Chief Whip, Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume (Borno South), yesterday titled: “Urgent Need to Increase the Minimum Wage and Improve Conditions of Service for Members of the Nigerian Armed Forces and Other Security Agencies.”

Ndume, in his presentation, emphasised that the nation’s security operatives deserve better compensation, considering the significant risks, sacrifices, and operational demands they face in maintaining peace and territorial integrity.

“These men and women risk their lives daily in high-risk zones—fighting terrorism, oil theft, banditry, and violent crimes. Their current pay does not reflect the magnitude of their sacrifices,” Ndume said.

The lawmaker referenced Section 217(2) of the 1999 Constitution, which empowers the Armed Forces to defend Nigeria from external aggression, maintain its territorial integrity, and assist civil authorities when required.

He further noted that Nigeria’s security architecture comprises not only the Armed Forces — the Army, Navy, and Air Force — but also critical agencies like the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Immigration Service (NIS), and others.

While consolidated salary structures and allowances exist across these services, Ndume raised concerns that the current wage levels and welfare packages have been rendered inadequate due to the rising cost of living.

Ndume pointed out that: “A private soldier in Ghana earns the equivalent of ₦180,000 monthly; In South Africa, the starting salary is about ₦250,000; In Egypt, junior ranks earn between ₦230,000–₦280,000; In Kenya, a private earns approximately ₦200,000, excluding operational allowances.

“In contrast, Nigerian troops earn between ₦50,000 and ₦60,000, despite higher deployment frequencies and more demanding operational environments.

“Our troops are overstretched, underpaid, and face growing financial hardship. This not only affects morale and retention but also exposes them to corruption and reduces operational effectiveness,” Ndume added.

Following extensive deliberation, the Senate adopted the following resolutions: “Urged the Federal Government, through the Ministries of Defence, Finance, Budget and National Planning, and the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission, to review and substantially increase the minimum wage and salary structure of Armed Forces personnel.

“Mandated its Committees on Defence, Army, Navy, and Air Force to liaise with relevant ministries and agencies to establish realistic and competitive remuneration benchmarks for various ranks, using global standards for guidance.

“Called on the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) and the National Assembly’s Appropriations Committee to make adequate budgetary provisions for enhanced defence personnel costs in the 2026 Appropriation Bill.

“Urged the Federal Government to institute a policy of periodic wage reviews — at least every three years — to keep military salaries aligned with inflationary trends and international best practices.”

He noted that improved remuneration would enhance troop morale, strengthen professionalism, and demonstrate national appreciation for the Armed Forces’ role in safeguarding Nigeria’s sovereignty and stability.

Ndume concluded that a special salary structure for the Armed Forces is not only constitutionally permissible but also morally necessary, considering the unique nature of their work.