The Senate will tomorrow (Wednesday) barring any last-minute change to its Order Paper, debate a motion seeking an urgent and substantial increase in the minimum wage and general conditions of service 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,” is sponsored by Senator Ali Ndume (Borno South), former Chief Whip of the 10th Senate.
Ndume, in the motion, lamented what he described as the “grossly inadequate” salaries and allowances earned by soldiers and security operatives who daily put their lives on the line to defend the country.
He said the current pay structure fails to reflect the sacrifices of military and security personnel operating under harsh and dangerous conditions across various theatres of operation nationwide.
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Citing Section 217(2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), Ndume reminded the Senate that the Armed Forces are constitutionally empowered to defend the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Nigeria and to assist civil authorities in maintaining law and order when required.
He argued that with inflation and the cost of living at record highs, the average monthly pay for junior personnel, between ₦50,000 and ₦60,000, is “grossly inadequate,” leaving many unable to meet basic needs such as food, transportation, accommodation, and education for their families.
According to him: “Our troops are stretched thin across multiple fronts, from counterterrorism operations in the North-East to anti-banditry and oil theft missions in other regions, yet their welfare has not kept pace with their sacrifices.”
Ndume warned that low pay, delayed allowances and poor welfare have contributed to declining morale, desertions, and vulnerabilities to corruption within the security services.
He drew comparisons with the situation in other African countries, where, according to him, 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.
By contrast, he said, Nigerian privates earn less than a quarter of those figures despite facing more hazardous and extended deployments.
The Borno South senator expressed concern that poor remuneration undermines operational effectiveness and public confidence in the country’s security institutions.
He insisted that improving welfare would boost morale, discipline, professionalism, and patriotism within the ranks.
The motion further noted that in many countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, and India, military pay is benchmarked above the national minimum wage in recognition of the unique risks and demands of military service.
The Senate may deliberate on Ndume’s prayers urging 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 and substantially increase the minimum wage and salary structure of the Armed Forces in line with current economic realities.
It also calls on the Senate Committees on Defence, Army, Navy, and Air Force to collaborate with relevant ministries and agencies to determine realistic remuneration benchmarks that reflect international best practices.
Additionally, the motion urges the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) and the National Assembly Appropriations Committee to make provisions for an enhanced Defence Personnel Cost in the 2026 Appropriation Bill.
If adopted, the motion could pave the way for a periodic wage review framework for security and armed forces personnel, a move that may be crucial to strengthening morale and sustaining the nation’s security architecture.
