Tinubu Will Soon Announce Pay Rise For Soldiers – Defence Minister

Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa, has said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is working towards implementing another pay rise despite the recent increment.

Musa dropped the hint yesterday at a one-day training and financial empowerment workshop for widows and wives of service personnel at Lungi Barracks, Abuja.

He assured soldiers that their salaries would be increased. “When I was Chief of Defence, the soldiers were collecting N49,000. I made an effort two years ago to increase it to 100,000, and I achieved it.

“We are, however, still making more efforts for it to be increased further. And we know our President is a father, a listening father, who will make sure that our troops are collecting good money because they are sacrificing so much.

“For all of us here, I’m sure very soon, Mr President is going to announce an increase in salaries for our men,” he said.

The event, themed “Renewed Hope for Families of the Armed Forces of Nigeria Through Entrepreneurship and Enterprise Development”, was organised by the Ministry of Defence in collaboration with the Small and Medium Enterprise Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN).

The minister said the theme reflected the federal government’s unwavering commitment to strengthening the economic well-being of military families, particularly widows and spouses of non-commissioned officers who are currently serving in operational theatres across the country.

Musa added that the initiative underscores the Federal Government’s resolve to complement the sacrifices made by personnel of the Armed Forces in defence of our nation with practical measures that promote self-resilience, enterprise and sustainable livelihoods, as they continue to discharge their constitutional responsibility with courage, professionalism and unwavering dedication.

The Ministers said, “Every day our personnel confront complex security challenges in defence of Nigerian sovereignty and the protection of the lives and property of our citizens.”

He continued, “Any of these gallant men and women serve in demanding operational environments separated from their families for extended periods and exposed to considerable risk in the line of duty. While their courage and sacrifice are rightly celebrated, we must also recognise the invaluable role of the families who stand firmly behind them.

“Of the spouses gathered here today, your resilience, patience, and steadfast support provide the assurance that enables your loved ones to remain focused on their responsibilities in serving our nation.

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.

The Minister further stated that the Federal Government acknowledged the sacrifices of soldiers’ spouses and is determined to ensure they have access to the knowledge, skills, and support needed to build secure and prosperous futures for themselves and their families.

According to him,  a strong military is built not only on capable personnel and modern equipment, but also on stable families.

When military families are economically secure, they are better positioned to withstand the unique demands associated with military life. This provides service personnel with 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,” the Minister said.

Musa said that this reality recognises that the Ministry of Defence continues to pursue initiatives that improve the welfare and long-term well-being of military personnel and their families.

He said the capacity-building programme has been carefully designed to equip participants with practical entrepreneurial knowledge, sound business management skills, and the confidence to establish and sustain a viable enterprise.

“Beyond generating income, these skills will enable you to create value, support your families, and contribute meaningfully to national economic development,” he said.

In his remarks, the Director General/CEO  of the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), Mr Charles Odii, said 25 million Naira was disbursed to 500 widows and the wives of soldiers on the frontline. He stated that upon assuming office, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu earmarked 200 billion Naira for enterprises in Nigeria.

He explained that there was a 75 billion Naira single-digit interest loan for our manufacturers, another 75 billion Naira single-digit interest loan for small businesses, and a 50 billion Naira grant program for nano-businesses, with beneficiaries falling under.

He stated that the grant was not a one-off, as the agency plans to supervise and double the amount for those who actually invest the money.

If you take that business, or take that seed money that we are giving you, and you put it in your business, and the business starts, and the business grows. We are going to come back here again in another year. The money that we are giving you, we are going to double it,” he said.

LEADERSHIP reports that 500 women received 50,000 grants, each amounting to 25,000,000.