Senate is set to debate a motion on Wednesday calling for a substantial increase in the minimum wage and improved working conditions for members of the Nigerian Armed Forces and other security agencies.
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,” was sponsored by Senator Ali Ndume (APC–Borno South), a former Chief Whip of the 10th Senate.
Ndume described the current salaries and allowances of military and security personnel as “grossly inadequate,” noting that many earn between ₦50,000 and ₦60,000 monthly despite operating under hazardous conditions across the country.
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“Our troops are stretched thin across multiple fronts, yet their welfare has not kept pace with their sacrifices,” Ndume said.
He cited Section 217(2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which mandates the Armed Forces to defend Nigeria’s sovereignty and assist civil authorities in maintaining law and order.
The senator warned that poor remuneration contributes to low morale, desertions, and corruption within the ranks.
He compared Nigeria’s pay structure to other African nations, noting that privates in Ghana, Kenya, Egypt, and South Africa earn significantly higher wages.
Ndume argued that aligning military pay with international best practices would boost morale, discipline, and professionalism, and restore public confidence in security institutions.
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The motion urges the Federal Government, through the Ministries of Defence, Finance, and Budget and National Planning, as well as the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission, to review and increase the salary structure of the Armed Forces.
It also calls on the Senate Committees on Defence, Army, Navy, and Air Force to collaborate with relevant agencies to determine realistic benchmarks and tasks the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) and the Appropriations Committee with providing for enhanced Defence Personnel Cost in the 2026 budget.
If adopted, the motion could pave the way for a framework for regular wage reviews for military and security personnel.
