Military veterans have called on the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, to ensure the immediate implementation of the approved ₦250,000 minimum wage for serving military personnel, insisting that the salary review was passed by the National Assembly, signed into law by President Bola Tinubu and captured in the 2026 budget. The retirees warned that they could embark on a peaceful protest if the delay persists.
More than 70 military veterans have renewed pressure on the Federal Government over the delayed implementation of the approved ₦250,000 minimum wage for serving personnel, demanding immediate action from the nation’s military leadership.
The demand was presented during a retreat held at the Armed Forces Headquarters Command Mess 1 in Abuja, where retired officers met representatives of the Chief of Defence Staff to press for the enforcement of the salary structure.
The meeting, which was expected to be attended by the CDS, was instead attended by five senior military officers on his behalf because he was reportedly engaged at the Presidential Villa.
One of the organisers, Col. Innocent Azubike (retd.), said the representatives received documents presented by the veterans and acknowledged that the issues raised were factual, assuring them that the materials would be forwarded to the CDS immediately.
According to the retired officers, the National Assembly approved a bill in October 2025 reviewing the salaries of serving and retired military personnel after determining that Nigerian soldiers were among the lowest paid in Africa.
They said President Bola Tinubu assented to the legislation in November 2025, with implementation expected to take effect alongside arrears, and that funds for the new salary structure were provided in the 2026 budget.
The veterans expressed disappointment that the salary review has yet to be implemented despite repeated assurances from government officials.
They warned that unless authorities act promptly, they will proceed with a planned peaceful protest at the Federal Ministry of Finance, saying the demonstration is intended to draw attention to what they described as an unexplained delay in releasing the approved funds.
The latest demand adds to the ongoing debate over the welfare of Nigerian military personnel. While the veterans say the approved salary structure should already be in effect, attention now shifts to the response of the Chief of Defence Staff and the Federal Government in the coming days.