Concerned by the escalating cost of living and growing economic hardship across the country, the Nigerian Senate has called on the Federal Government to revise the current minimum wage and salary structure for members of the Armed Forces.
The call was made following a motion raised on Tuesday by former Senate Chief Whip, Senator Ali Ndume, titled:
“Urgent Need to Increase the Minimum Wage and Improve Conditions of Service for Members of the Nigerian Armed Forces and Other Security Agencies.”
In his motion, Senator Ndume emphasized that the sacrifices and high-risk duties performed by military personnel and other security operatives warrant better compensation. He noted that the economic situation has significantly outpaced their current earnings, leading to negative impacts on morale, recruitment, retention, and operational efficiency.
Citing Section 217(2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), Ndume reminded the Senate that the Armed Forces are constitutionally mandated to defend Nigeria against external threats, ensure territorial integrity, and assist civil authorities in maintaining law and order when necessary.
He highlighted that the current minimum monthly wage for junior Armed Forces personnel is between N50,000 and N60,000, depending on rank—a figure he described as “grossly inadequate” given current inflation and living costs.
Ndume compared Nigeria’s wage structure with other African nations, pointing out that:
- In Ghana, entry-level soldiers earn the equivalent of N180,000
- In South Africa, about N250,000
- In Egypt, between N230,000 and N280,000
- In Kenya, around N200,000
(All excluding operational allowances)
He stressed that the disparity does not reflect the level of danger Nigerian troops face daily, both in internal and external missions, often under severe and hazardous conditions.
In response, the Senate unanimously adopted the motion and 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 urgently review and substantially increase the salaries and allowances of Armed Forces personnel.
