The Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (retd.), on Monday said he spearheaded the increase in the salaries of Nigerian soldiers from N49,000 to N100,000 during his tenure as Chief of Defence Staff, adding that efforts were underway to secure another pay raise for troops.

Musa disclosed this at a one-day training and financial empowerment workshop for widows and wives of service personnel held at Lungi Barracks, Abuja.

The minister said the salary review was aimed at improving the welfare of troops in recognition of the sacrifices they make in defending the country.

“When I was Chief of Defence, the soldiers were collecting N49,000. I made an effort two years ago for it to be increased to N100,000, and that was achieved,” Musa said.

He added that discussions were ongoing with President Bola Tinubu to further improve the remuneration of military personnel.

“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.

“So, 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.

Musa said the Federal Government was also committed to improving the welfare of military families.

Musa said the initiative recognised the sacrifices of military families, noting that strengthening their economic resilience would enable serving personnel to focus on their operational responsibilities.

He added that the programme would provide participants with practical knowledge to establish sustainable businesses, generate income and contribute to national economic development.

Musa’s remarks come amid renewed calls for improved welfare for military personnel, with military veterans and some retired senior officers pressing the Federal Government to implement a proposed N250,000 minimum monthly salary for the least-paid soldier.

Earlier this month, over 70 military veterans demanded the immediate implementation of the salary structure they claimed had been approved, while on Sunday, former Director of Defence Information, Maj. Gen. John Enenche (retd.), also recommended a minimum monthly salary of N250,000 for rank-and-file soldiers to reflect current economic realities.