By Peter Omopo
The Nigerian Senate has called on the Federal Government to review and increase the salaries and welfare packages of members of the Armed Forces and other security agencies, citing the country’s worsening economic conditions and high cost of living.
This followed a motion sponsored on Tuesday by the former Senate Chief Whip, Senator Ali Ndume (Borno South), 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 noted that despite their sacrifices in safeguarding the nation’s territorial integrity and tackling insecurity, Nigerian troops are poorly remunerated compared to their counterparts in other African countries.
“The current minimum monthly wage for junior personnel in the Armed Forces ranges between ₦50,000 and ₦60,000, depending on rank,” Ndume stated. “This is grossly inadequate given today’s inflationary pressures, rising living costs, and the sacrifices our men and women in uniform make daily.”
The senator reminded the upper chamber that Section 217(2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) mandates the Armed Forces to defend Nigeria from external aggression, maintain its territorial integrity, and assist civil authorities in maintaining order.
He lamented that the low pay structure has negatively affected troop morale, recruitment, and retention.
Comparing Nigeria’s pay scale to other African nations, Ndume said:
“In Ghana, the entry-level pay for a private soldier is equivalent to about ₦180,000 per month; in South Africa, ₦250,000; in Egypt, ₦230,000–₦280,000; and in Kenya, about ₦200,000, excluding operational allowances.”
He stressed that the last major salary review for the Armed Forces took place in 2008, adding that the present economic situation demands an urgent and comprehensive review.
Adopting the motion, the Senate urged the Federal Government, through the Ministries of Defence, Finance, Budget and National Planning, and the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission, to immediately begin the process of revising the pay structure and allowances of soldiers and security operatives.
The Senate also directed its Committees on Defence, Army, Navy, and Air Force to work with the relevant agencies to determine new, realistic wage benchmarks that align with global standards.
Ndume argued that improving soldiers’ welfare was not just a humanitarian duty but a “strategic necessity” for national stability.
“Boosting the morale of our security personnel is vital to winning the war against terrorism, banditry, and other security threats,” he said.
He further called for increased recruitment across the Armed Forces and Police, noting that Nigeria’s current security manpower is insufficient to meet the nation’s needs.
In addition to higher salaries, Ndume urged President Bola Tinubu’s administration to prioritize the provision of modern military equipment, improved living conditions, and enhanced welfare incentives to motivate personnel on the frontlines.
The motion received unanimous support from senators, with many emphasizing that the welfare of security operatives must reflect their crucial role in preserving Nigeria’s unity and sovereignty.
