Worried by the rising cost of living and worsening economic hardship, the Senate has urged the Federal Government to consider reviewing upward the N50,000 minimum wage and salary structure of the Nigerian Armed Forces in line with current realities.
Former Senate Chief Whip, Senator Ali Ndume, raised 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,” on Tuesday.
In the motion, Ndume said the nation’s troops and security operatives deserved better compensation, given the scale of risks and sacrifices they undertake to preserve national security.
The Borno South lawmaker reminded the Senate that Section 217(2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) empowers the Armed Forces to defend Nigeria from external aggression, maintain territorial integrity, and assist civil authorities in restoring order when called upon.
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.
“The current minimum monthly wage for junior personnel in the Armed Forces ranges between N50,000 and N60,000, depending on rank,” which he described as “grossly inadequate in light of current economic realities, inflationary pressures, and the soaring cost of living,” Ndume stated.
The senator further observed that soldiers in other African countries earn far more than their Nigerian counterparts.“
In Ghana, the entry-level pay for a private soldier is equivalent to about N180,000 per month; in South Africa, N250,000; in Egypt, N230,000–N280,000; and in Kenya, about N200,000, excluding operational allowances,” he said,
According to him, the wage level in Nigeria does not reflect the magnitude of sacrifices made by our troops who daily risk their lives in internal and external operations under extreme and hazardous conditions.”
The Senate, adopting Ndume’s motion, 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 review and substantially increase the pay and allowances of members of the Armed Forces.
It also mandated its Committees on Defence, Army, Navy, and Air Force to liaise with relevant agencies to determine realistic remuneration benchmarks comparable to international standards.
Ndume insisted that boosting soldiers’ welfare is not only a moral obligation but a strategic necessity.