Senate Moves to Review Minimum Wage, Welfare of Armed Forces

The Senate has initiated discussions on a proposal to increase the minimum wage and improve the general conditions of service for members of the Nigerian Armed Forces and other security agencies. The move follows growing economic hardship, concerns over low morale among personnel, and the need to strengthen national security operations.

The motion, sponsored by Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume representing Borno South, is scheduled for debate on Thursday. It seeks to address what lawmakers described as the poor remuneration of military personnel compared to their counterparts in other African countries, despite Nigeria’s higher operational demands and security challenges.

According to the motion, the current minimum monthly wage for junior personnel in the Armed Forces is between ₦50,000 and ₦60,000, a figure considered insufficient given prevailing economic realities. The Senate is expected to urge the Federal Government to direct the Ministries of Defence, Finance, Budget and National Planning, as well as the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission, to review and raise the pay structure accordingly.

Meanwhile, the Defence Headquarters has restated its commitment to improving the welfare and mental well-being of troops. The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, made the assurance during the 2025 World Mental Health Day Symposium in Abuja, where discussions focused on strengthening mental health support for military personnel operating under high-stress conditions.

The Senate’s deliberation is part of a broader effort to enhance the morale, efficiency, and resilience of Nigeria’s security forces in tackling ongoing national security challenges

Written by Adeyemi Adewale