The Senate is expected to, on Wednesday, debate a motion calling for an urgent and significant increase in the minimum wage and overall welfare package for members of the Nigerian Armed Forces and other security agencies, barring any last-minute changes to its Order Paper.
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, is sponsored by Senator Ali Ndume (Borno South), a former Chief Whip of the 10th Senate.
Ndume, in the motion, criticised what he described as the “grossly inadequate” salaries and allowances paid to soldiers and security personnel who risk their lives daily to protect the country. He argued that the current remuneration does not reflect the harsh and dangerous conditions under which they operate nationwide.
Citing Section 217(2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), Ndume reminded the Senate that the Armed Forces are mandated to defend Nigeria’s sovereignty and assist civil authorities in maintaining law and order. He noted that with inflation at record levels, junior officers earning between ₦50,000 and ₦60,000 monthly can no longer meet basic family needs such as food, transport, rent, and education.
“Our troops are stretched thin across multiple fronts, from counterterrorism in the North-East to anti-banditry and oil theft missions elsewhere, yet their welfare has not kept pace with their sacrifices,” Ndume stated. He warned that poor pay, delayed allowances, and weak welfare structures are fuelling low morale, desertions, and vulnerability to corruption within the security services. Ndume also drew comparisons with other African countries where, according to him, privates earn the equivalent of ₦180,000 in Ghana, ₦200,000 in Kenya, ₦230,000 to ₦280,000 in Egypt, and about ₦250,000 in South Africa, excluding operational allowances — figures far higher than Nigeria’s.
The senator stressed that inadequate remuneration undermines operational effectiveness and public confidence in the military, adding that improved welfare would promote morale, professionalism, and discipline. The motion also noted that in countries such as the United States, United Kingdom, and India, military pay is deliberately pegged above the national minimum wage in recognition of the unique risks of military service.
The Senate will consider Ndume’s prayer urging the Federal Government — through the defence ministry, finance authorities, and the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission — to urgently raise the pay structure of the Armed Forces in line with current economic realities.
The motion also calls on the Senate Committees on Defence, Army, Navy, and Air Force to work with relevant ministries and agencies to develop realistic remuneration benchmarks, in line with global standards. It further urges the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission and the National Assembly Appropriations Committee to make provision for improved Defence Personnel Costs in the 2026 Appropriation Bill. If approved, the motion could create a framework for periodic wage reviews for the military and security agencies — a move supporters say is vital to boosting morale and strengthening Nigeria’s overall security architecture.
Source: https://thenationonlineng.net/
