Nigerian Soldiers’ Minimum Salary Doubled to ₦100,000 as FG Unveils Welfare Boost

The Federal Government has announced a significant increase in the minimum monthly salary of Nigerian soldiers, raising it from **₦49,000 to ₦100,000** as part of ongoing efforts to improve the welfare of military personnel and strengthen operational effectiveness.

Minister of Defence, **Mohammed Christopher Musa**, revealed the development during an interview with News Central, describing the pay rise as one of several measures introduced by the current administration to boost troop morale and enhance their working conditions.

According to the minister, the salary adjustment reflects the government’s commitment to supporting members of the Armed Forces amid the country’s evolving security challenges.

Beyond the pay increase, Musa dismissed recent claims circulating on social media that soldiers are being poorly fed. Addressing a viral video that appeared to show inadequate meals served to troops, he alleged that the footage had been manipulated to create a false impression.

He explained that the meal originally contained meat and other food items but claimed they were intentionally removed before the video was recorded to mislead the public.

Despite the improved salaries, the Defence Minister acknowledged that Nigeria’s defence budget remains insufficient to meet the growing demands of the military. He stressed that the government would continue investing in both troop welfare and operational capacity to better equip the Armed Forces in the fight against insecurity.

Musa also called for stricter penalties for kidnappers, expressing support for the introduction of the death penalty as a stronger deterrent against the rising wave of abductions across the country. He argued that existing punishments have not been effective in curbing the crime.

Commenting on the recent abduction of schoolchildren in Oyo State, the minister alleged that the kidnappers were attempting to pressure the military into releasing some of their commanders currently in custody. He further claimed that the abductors had threatened to harm the children if security forces moved closer to their location.

The latest salary increase comes as the Federal Government continues to combine welfare reforms, increased security investments, and intensified military operations in an effort to improve the performance and morale of troops while tackling insecurity nationwide