Three Times Nigerian Military Minimum Wage Was Increased

Nigeria’s military salary structure has undergone several adjustments over the years as successive administrations reviewed the welfare of armed forces personnel. While concerns over funding, equipment and operational capacity continue to dominate discussions on national security, soldiers’ salaries have also seen gradual increases through different minimum wage reforms.

The latest adjustment was confirmed by the Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (retd.), who disclosed that the minimum monthly salary for Nigerian soldiers now stands at N100,000, up from N49,000.

The minister made the disclosure while discussing military welfare and funding, noting that although soldiers’ salaries have improved significantly, the defence sector still requires more financial support to effectively address the country’s security challenges.

Three Times Nigerian Soldiers’ Minimum Wage Was Increased

Nigeria’s military minimum wage has increased alongside the country’s national minimum wage reviews over the years:
From N18,000 to N30,000 (2019)

The first major increase came after the Federal Government approved a new national minimum wage of N30,000 in 2019, replacing the previous N18,000 benchmark.

This adjustment also affected military personnel, as soldiers’ salaries were reviewed upward in line with the new wage structure.

From N30,000 to N49,000

Following subsequent salary reviews and welfare adjustments for members of the Armed Forces, the minimum monthly salary for Nigerian soldiers rose to N49,000. This became the baseline salary for junior military personnel before the latest review announced by the current administration.

From N49,000 to N100,000 (2026)

The latest increase doubled the previous minimum salary from N49,000 to N100,000.

Speaking during an interview on News Central, Defence Minister Gen. Christopher Musa (retd.) said:
“When they started, a soldier was collecting N49,000 monthly (as minimum wage). We tried so hard, now he’s collecting N100,000.”
Despite the increase, the minister maintained that the military remains underfunded and requires additional resources to effectively carry out its constitutional responsibilities.

Musa also called for tougher measures against insecurity, advocating the introduction of the death penalty for kidnappers as part of efforts to combat rising cases of abduction across the country.

Meanwhile, the Senate approved N403.1 billion for the Nigerian Police Trust Fund, allocating N170.1 billion for the 2025 fiscal year and N233 billion for 2026 to strengthen policing, improve infrastructure, procure equipment and enhance security operations nationwide.
In addition, President Bola Tinubu forwarded the proposed Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2026 to the Senate, seeking to repeal the 2015 law and introduce reforms aimed at improving the efficiency of Nigeria’s criminal justice system.

Also weighing in on the security situation, Senator Ali Ndume supported the Federal Government’s decision not to negotiate with terrorists or pay ransom, insisting that sustained military offensives remain the most effective strategy for defeating insurgent groups.

Conclusion

The increase in Nigerian soldiers’ minimum monthly salary to N100,000 marks the latest milestone in a series of wage reviews aimed at improving military welfare. While the salary has progressed from N18,000 to N30,000, then N49,000, and now N100,000, defence authorities continue to argue that improved funding, modern equipment and sustained investment are equally essential to enable the Armed Forces effectively tackle the country’s security challenges.