Senate initiates moves to increase pay for soldiers and security agencies

The Senate is set to debate a motion on Wednesday, October 22, calling for a major 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, representing Borno South and former Chief Whip of the 10th Senate.

Ndume, in the motion, described the salaries and allowances of soldiers and security operatives as “grossly inadequate,” noting that these men and women put their lives on the line daily to defend Nigeria under extremely difficult conditions.

He argued that the current pay structure does not reflect the sacrifices made by military and security personnel deployed across various parts of the country, from counterterrorism operations in the North-East to anti-banditry and oil theft missions in other regions.

Citing Section 217(2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), Ndume reminded lawmakers that the Armed Forces are constitutionally mandated to defend the nation’s sovereignty and assist civil authorities in maintaining law and order when required.

He highlighted that with inflation and the cost of living at record highs, the average monthly salary of junior personnel, between ₦50,000 and ₦60,000 is “grossly inadequate,” leaving many unable to afford food, transport, housing, and education for their families.

“Our troops are stretched thin across multiple fronts, yet their welfare has not kept pace with their sacrifices,” he said.

Ndume warned that poor pay, delayed allowances, and inadequate welfare contribute to low morale, desertions, and corruption within the security services. He compared the situation to other African countries, noting that a private soldier in Ghana earns the equivalent of about ₦180,000 monthly, in Kenya ₦200,000, in Egypt between ₦230,000 and ₦280,000, and in South Africa about ₦250,000, excluding operational allowances. In contrast, he said, Nigerian privates earn less than a quarter of these figures despite facing more hazardous conditions.

He expressed concern that such disparities undermine operational efficiency and public trust in security institutions, insisting that improved welfare would strengthen morale, discipline, and professionalism.

The motion also noted that in countries like the United States, United Kingdom, and India, military pay is set above the national minimum wage to reflect the risks and responsibilities of service.

If adopted, the motion would urge 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 substantially increase the minimum wage and salary structure of the Armed Forces in line with economic realities.

It also calls on the Senate Committees on Defence, Army, Navy, and Air Force to work with relevant agencies to determine realistic pay benchmarks consistent with international best practices.

Additionally, the motion tasks the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) and the National Assembly Appropriations Committee with providing for an enhanced Defence Personnel Cost in the 2026 budget.

If approved, the proposal could lead to a framework for regular wage reviews for military and security personne, an important step toward improving morale and strengthening Nigeria’s overall security structure.

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