Senate Calls for Urgent Salary Increase for Nigerian Soldiers
The Nigerian Senate has called on the Federal Government to urgently review and increase the salaries and allowances of members of the Armed Forces, citing the harsh economic conditions and rising cost of living in the country.
The motion, titled “Urgent Need to Increase the Minimum Wage and Improve Conditions of Service for Members of the Nigerian Armed Forces and Other Security Agencies,” was raised by Senator Ali Ndume, representing Borno South, during Tuesday’s plenary session.
Ndume stressed that Nigerian soldiers and security operatives deserve better pay and welfare, given the immense risks they face while safeguarding the nation. He noted that despite their sacrifices, their current wages no longer reflect present economic realities.
According to him, “The current remuneration and minimum entry-level wage for many personnel across the services have been outpaced by rising living costs, with knock-on effects on morale, recruitment, retention, and operational effectiveness.”
He revealed that the minimum monthly wage for junior soldiers in Nigeria ranges between ₦50,000 and ₦60,000, depending on their rank, describing it as “grossly inadequate” considering the inflation rate and the cost of living. Ndume compared Nigeria’s wage structure with those of other African countries, pointing out that soldiers in Ghana earn about ₦180,000 monthly, while their counterparts in South Africa, Egypt, and Kenya earn ₦250,000, ₦230,000–₦280,000, and ₦200,000 respectively, excluding allowances.
The senator reminded his colleagues that Section 217(2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) mandates the Armed Forces to defend Nigeria, maintain territorial integrity, and restore internal order when necessary. He argued that boosting their welfare was both a moral duty and a national security necessity.
The Senate subsequently adopted Ndume’s motion and urged the Federal Government, through the Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning, and the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission, to conduct a comprehensive review of soldiers’ salaries and introduce substantial increments.
Additionally, the Senate Committees on Defence, Army, Navy, and Air Force were directed to collaborate with relevant agencies to determine new salary benchmarks that align with international standards.
Ndume also called for the recruitment of more personnel across the security agencies, especially the Nigerian Army and Police Force, to bridge the manpower gap and strengthen national security operations. He emphasized that the last time Nigerian military salaries were increased was in 2008, underscoring the urgent need for reform.
He urged President Bola Tinubu’s administration to not only focus on salary increments but also to ensure that soldiers are adequately equipped to handle the nation’s rising security threats. According to him, improving soldiers’ welfare and logistics will help boost morale and enhance operational efficiency across the Armed Forces.
