The Senate has urged the federal government to promptly reassess and raise the minimum wage and salary framework for members of the Nigerian Armed Forces and other security agencies, reflecting current economic conditions.
This call came after the Senate adopted a motion introduced by former Chief Whip, Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume (Borno South), titled: “The Immediate Need to Enhance Minimum Wage and Service Conditions for Personnel in the Nigerian Armed Forces and Security Agencies.”
In his address, Senator Ndume highlighted the necessity for better remuneration for security personnel, given the considerable dangers, sacrifices, and operational challenges they endure to maintain national peace and territorial sovereignty.
“These brave men and women confront life-threatening situations daily-combating terrorism, oil theft, banditry, and violent crimes. Their current compensation fails to match the extent of their sacrifices,” Ndume asserted.
The senator referenced Section 217(2) of the 1999 Constitution, which mandates the Armed Forces to protect Nigeria from external threats, uphold territorial integrity, and support civil authorities when called upon.
He further emphasized that Nigeria’s security framework extends beyond the Armed Forces-which include the Army, Navy, and Air Force-to encompass vital agencies such as the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), and Immigration Service (NIS), among others.
Although consolidated salary scales and allowances exist across these bodies, Ndume expressed concern that the current pay and welfare packages have become insufficient due to escalating living costs.
He illustrated this disparity by noting: “A private soldier in Ghana receives about ₦180,000 monthly; in South Africa, entry-level pay is around ₦250,000; in Egypt, junior ranks earn between ₦230,000 and ₦280,000; and in Kenya, a private’s salary is roughly ₦200,000, excluding operational bonuses.
“Conversely, Nigerian soldiers earn between ₦50,000 and ₦60,000, despite facing more frequent deployments and harsher operational conditions.
“Our troops are overstretched and undercompensated, leading to financial strain that undermines morale, retention, and operational efficiency, while increasing vulnerability to corruption,” Ndume added.
After thorough discussions, the Senate resolved to: “Call on the Federal Government, through the Ministries of Defence, Finance, Budget and National Planning, and the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission, to urgently review and significantly raise the minimum wage and salary structure for Armed Forces personnel.
“Direct its Committees on Defence, Army, Navy, and Air Force to collaborate with relevant ministries and agencies to develop realistic and competitive pay scales for all ranks, guided by international benchmarks.
“Request the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) and the National Assembly’s Appropriations Committee to allocate sufficient funds for increased defence personnel costs in the 2026 budget.
“Advocate for the establishment of a policy mandating periodic wage reviews-at least every three years-to ensure military salaries keep pace with inflation and global standards.”
Ndume stressed that enhancing remuneration would boost troop morale, foster professionalism, and affirm the nation’s recognition of the Armed Forces’ critical role in protecting Nigeria’s sovereignty and stability.
He concluded by affirming that instituting a distinct salary structure for the Armed Forces is not only constitutionally justified but also ethically imperative, given the exceptional nature of their duties.
