President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday held a closed-door meeting with Nigeria’s top security and intelligence chiefs at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, amid growing concerns over the welfare of military personnel and calls for the implementation of a promised salary increase.
The meeting, which lasted more than two hours, brought together the National Security Adviser, Minister of Defence, Chief of Defence Staff, service chiefs, heads of intelligence agencies, the Inspector-General of Police, and the President’s Special Adviser on Homeland Security.
The security session focused on reviewing the country’s security situation across various theatres of operation and assessing ongoing military efforts against terrorism, banditry, and other security threats.
The meeting came as reactions continued to trail comments by the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, who disclosed that the minimum monthly salary for Nigerian soldiers had increased from ₦49,000 to ₦100,000 following a Federal Government welfare review.
The minister, while acknowledging that the defence sector remains underfunded, said the salary adjustment reflected the government’s commitment to improving the welfare of military personnel.
However, the disclosure sparked criticism from retired and serving military personnel, who described the amount as inadequate given the country’s rising cost of living. Many argued that the Federal Government had yet to fulfil President Tinubu’s pledge, made in March 2026, to introduce a new salary structure for members of the Armed Forces.
Several serving personnel, who spoke anonymously, urged the government to immediately implement the promised salary review, warning that delays were affecting morale, retention, and recruitment within the military.
According to them, many soldiers continue to face severe financial pressure despite the risks associated with their duties, while the current remuneration no longer reflects prevailing economic realities.
The personnel also noted that inadequate welfare has contributed to declining interest in military service among young Nigerians, stressing that improved salaries and benefits are essential to maintaining a motivated and professional fighting force.
During an interfaith breaking of fast with service chiefs in March, President Tinubu assured military personnel that his administration would prioritise their welfare, accommodation, and other benefits, including a salary increase.
Meanwhile, the latest security meeting followed recent military operations in the North-West and North-East, where troops recorded successes against terrorists and bandits, including the disruption of planned attacks in Zamfara and Katsina states and the repulsion of assaults on military formations in Borno State.
Although the Presidency did not disclose details of Thursday’s deliberations, the meeting underscored the Federal Government’s continued focus on addressing Nigeria’s security challenges while calls for improved welfare for military personnel continue to mount.
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